ATM network with cash management arrangement

ABSTRACT

An ATM network includes a plurality of ATMs. Each ATM can determine the amount of currency in its currency cassettes. The network can track the amount of currency therein. The information can be provided in real time, enabling a network operator to provide efficient currency management.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/450,983 filed Feb. 28, 2003; and is a divisional of U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/750,571 filed Dec. 30, 2003, which claims the benefits ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/437,636 filed Dec. 31, 2002 and U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/437,637 filed Dec. 31, 2002, and thedisclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to automated transaction machines.

BACKGROUND ART

Automated transaction machines include automated banking machines. Acommon type of automated banking machine is an automated teller machine(“ATM”). ATMs may be used to perform transactions such as dispensingcash, accepting deposits, making account balance inquiries, payingbills, and transferring funds between accounts. ATMs and other types ofautomated banking machines may be used to dispense media or documentssuch as currency, tickets, scrip, vouchers, checks, gaming materials,receipts, or other media. While many types of automated bankingmachines, including ATMs, are operated by consumers, other types ofautomated banking machines may be operated by service providers. Suchautomated banking machines may be used by service providers to providecash or other types of sheets or documents when performing transactions.For purposes of this disclosure, an automated banking machine shall beconstrued as any machine that is capable of carrying out transactionswhich include transfers of value.

A popular brand of automated banking machine is manufactured by Diebold,Incorporated, the assignee of the present invention. Such automatedbanking machines are capable of selectively dispensing media, such as inthe form of sheets, to users of the machine. A sheet dispensingmechanism used in such machines includes a picking mechanism whichdelivers or “picks” sheets generally one at a time from a stack ofsheets stored within the machine. Media, such as a stack of sheets, canbe housed in a specialized container such as a cassette or canister.Media cassettes can be designed to operate in conjunction with theparticular media removal mechanism of the machine. A media cassette canbe an integral part of the media dispensing system. Cassettes can beloaded or filled with media at locations away from the machine and undersecure conditions. Cassettes can be transported to the automated bankingmachine. Cassettes present the advantage of allowing large amounts ofmedia to be loaded into machines quickly. The interchangeability ofcassettes between machines which have the same type of media removalmechanism may also be permitted. An example of a cassette adapted foruse in an automated banking machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,113,140, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Picked sheets can be transported through one or more transports withinthe machine and eventually delivered to a user. A picking mechanism usedin some Diebold automated banking machines is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,577,720, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.The picking mechanism includes a rotating picking member that comprisesa plurality of cylindrical portions disposed along a shaft. Eachcylindrical portion includes a high friction segment along a portion ofthe circumference. These high friction segments are sized and positionedsuch that upon each rotation of the picking member, an end note boundingan end of the stack is exposed to the moving high friction segment. Suchexposure causes the end note to be moved away from the stack inengagement with the moving cylindrical portions of the picking member.

Disposed adjacent to each of the cylindrical portions of the pickingmember and in the direction of rotation of the picking member relativeto the stack when picking the notes, are a plurality of strippingmembers. A stripping member is disposed in generally abutting relationwith each of the cylindrical portions of the picking member. Eachstripping member is generally circular and does not rotate duringrotation of the picking member in a note picking direction. Thestripping member generally operates to prevent all but the end note frommoving out of the stack upon rotation of the picking member. Thestripping member operates to prevent generally all but the end note frombeing delivered from the stack because the force applied by the pickingmember directly on the end note exceeds the resistance force applied bythe stripping member to the end note. However the resistance force ofthe stripping member acting on notes in the stack other than the endnote, because such notes are not directly engaged with the pickingmember, generally prevents the other notes from moving from the stack.

Stripping members may each be supported through one-way clutchmechanisms. These one-way clutch mechanisms prevent the strippingmembers from turning responsive to the force applied to the strippingmembers as the picking member moves to pick a note. However the one-wayclutch in connection with each stripping member enables each strippingmember to rotate in a direction opposite to that which the strippingmember is urged to move during picking. This is useful in situationswhere a doubles detector senses that more than one note has moved pastthe stripping member. In such circumstances a controller operating inthe banking machine may operate to cause the picking member to rotate inan opposed direction, which is the opposite of the direction in whichthe picking member normally moves when picking a note. As the pickingmember moves in this opposed direction, the stripping member rotates soas to facilitate the movement of the multiple sheets back toward thestack. Once the multiple sheets have been moved back toward the stackand beyond the stripping member, the controller may operate to cause thepicking mechanism to again try to pick a single note from the stack.

In many existing automated banking machines produced by the assignee ofthe present invention, notes that are picked from the dispenser aremoved through a transport of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,165,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Suchtransports include a plurality of generally parallel and transverselydisposed belt flights which move the notes in engagement therewith.Disposed between each adjacent pair of belt flights is a projectingmember. The projecting member generally extends to at least the level ofthe sheet engaging surfaces of the adjacent belt flight. As a resultsheets are captured in sandwiched relation between the projectingmembers and the belt flight. This sandwiching of the sheets causes thesheets to move with the moving belt flights to selected locations in themachine. For example as shown in the incorporated disclosure, the sheetsare moved in engagement with the belt flight into a stack. Once thestack of sheets has been accumulated, the stack is engaged with beltflights so that it can be moved to be presented to a user of themachine.

The sheet dispenser mechanisms and transports described are highlyreliable and have been used extensively in automated banking machines.However, problems can sometimes be encountered in the picking andtransport of sheets. In some circumstances sheets may have relativelyhigh surface tension and an affinity for adjacent sheets. This mayprevent an end note from being readily separated from a stack of sheets.Alternatively an end note may be worn or soiled in a way that reducesits frictional properties. In such cases an end note may be moreresistant to the forces of the high friction segment on the pickingmember and will not readily separate from the stack. In alternativesituations the picking mechanism may be picking a type of sheet which isplasticized or otherwise has reduced frictional properties relative tothe high friction segment on the picking member. In such circumstancespicking the end note from a stack may prove more difficult to accomplishreliably.

Difficulties in picking sheets may also be encountered due to wear ormalfunctions. After extended use the high friction segments on a pickingmember can become worn. This results in the segments providing lessengaging force to move an end note. Alternatively or in addition, highfriction segments may become soiled with use, which may also have theeffect of reducing the frictional properties of the picking member. Thecurrency canisters which hold the stack of notes also provide a biasingforce to hold the end note in abutting relation with the picking member.As a result of damage or wear, the mechanism which provides the biasingforce may not provide as great a force biasing the end note to engagethe picking member as may be desirable to achieve highly reliablepicking of sheets.

In circumstances where the picking member has difficulty picking a note,the note fails to move in coordinated relation with the high frictionsegments on the cylindrical portions of the picking member. The highfriction segments may rotate past the end note leaving the end notegenerally in the stack. When this situation occurs the machinecontroller generally operates so that repeated attempts are made to pickthe note. If the note cannot be removed from the stack, the machine mayoperate in accordance with its programming to provide notes from othersupplies through other picking mechanisms within the machine.Alternatively the machine may indicate a malfunction and be placed outof service. In either case the extended transaction time or completeinability to carry out a user's transaction presents a significantinconvenience to the user of the machine.

Notes with less than optimum properties may also cause problems whenbeing transported within the machine. Notes that have become wet orsoiled may adhere to the projecting members and may fail to move withthe belt flights in the transport. Notes that are slippery or haveunduly low friction may not produce sufficient engaging force with themoving belt flights and may not move in coordinated relation with thebelt flights. Likewise unduly worn or limp notes may not achieve normalengaging force with the belt flights and may become stuck or otherwisefail to move in a transport.

These conditions also present the potential for delaying a transactionor placing a machine out of service. The problem of notes sticking in atransport may also result in the misdispensing of notes. In somecircumstances notes may be crumpled or damaged due to transportproblems.

Thus there exists a need for improvements to picking mechanisms andsheet transports used in automated banking machines. There furtherexists a need for improvements to picking mechanisms and transports usedin automated banking machines that can be readily installed in existingmachines to facilitate use with notes and sheet types having a widerrange of properties. There further exists a need for improvements tomedia cassettes which can be used with picking mechanisms.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of an exemplary form of the present invention to providean automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine with an improved system for pickingsheets.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine with an improved system fortransporting sheets.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine which provides added force whennecessary for picking or transporting sheets.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide an automated banking machine with an improved media cassette.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for picking sheets in an automated banking machine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for transporting sheets in an automated bankingmachine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for improving the operation of an automated bankingmachine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for upgrading an existing machine to provide forimproved picking of sheets.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for upgrading an existing automated banking machine toprovide for improved transport of sheets.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method of improving a media cassette for an automated bankingmachine.

It is a further object of an exemplary form of the present invention toprovide a method for upgrading an existing automated banking machine toprovide for improved media cassettes.

The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/437,636 filedDec. 31, 2002 and 60/437,637 filed Dec. 31, 2002 are incorporated hereinby reference.

Further objects of exemplary forms of the present invention will be madeapparent in the following Best Mode For Carrying Out Invention and theappended claims.

The foregoing objects are accomplished in an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention by replacing the picking member in the prior art sheetdispenser mechanism with, or otherwise providing an alternate pickingmember that provides for applying additional force to move a sheet froma stack in situations where the sheet does not move with the pickingmember. In the exemplary embodiment the sheets which are picked throughoperation of the picking member are notes that are picked from a stack.The stack is bounded by an end note which engages the picking member.

The alternative picking member includes at least one movable engagingportion. The movable engaging portion is movable relative to therotating picking member. The alternate picking member operates so thatwhen the picking member rotates about its axis to pick a note, theengaging portion is in engagement with the end note being picked. Incircumstances where the picking member rotates such that the movement ofthe picking member exceeds the movement of the end note, the engagingportion moves further radially outward relative to the picking member.This outward movement of the engaging portion applies increasingengaging force to the end note. This increasing engaging force resultsin additional force tending to move the end note relative to the stack.

The exemplary form of the alternate picking member includes a camsurface and a cam follower portion. The cam follower portion isoperatively connected to the engaging portion. The action of the camsurface and cam follower portion operates to cause the engaging portionto move radially inward when necessary, before the engaging portionpasses adjacent to the stripping member. This avoids the engagingportion from colliding with the stripping member and prevents damage tothe dispenser mechanism as well as to notes that are moved therethrough.

The exemplary form of the present invention further includes a sheettransport for transporting notes or sheets that have been dispensed fromthe dispenser mechanism. The sheet transport includes a plurality ofbelts which include a plurality of generally parallel transverselyspaced belt flights. Projecting member portions extend generallyparallel and intermediate of the belt flights. This configurationenables sheets to move in sandwiched relation between the belt flightsand the projecting member portions. To provide more reliable movement ofsheets, at least one of the conventional belts is replaced with analternate belt. While the conventional belts have a generally smoothcontinuous sheet engaging surface, the exemplary form of the alternatebelt includes at least one and preferably a plurality of, projectionsthat extend from the sheet engaging surface of the belt. As a result,sheets which become stuck due to adhesion to the projecting memberportions will be engaged by the projections and urged to move in thetransport. Similarly sheets which do not have sufficient frictionalengagement with the belt flights to be moved along the transport, areengaged by the projections and urged to move therewith. This minimizesthe risk that sheets will become hung up in the transport and results inhigher reliability of the machine.

The exemplary form of the picking member and belt may be installed innew machines or in existing automated banking machines without furthersubstantial modifications to the machines. This may enable enhancingmachine reliability quickly and at a modest cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an automated banking machineincorporating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a picking member used in an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the picking member shown in FIG. 2in operative connection with a drive in the machine.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the picking member shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side schematic view of the picking member operating to movean end note from the stack in circumstances where the end note moves incoordinated relation with the picking member.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the movement of theengaging portion of the picking member radially outward responsive tothe picking member moving in a picking direction without correspondingmovement of the end note.

FIGS. 7–10 are side schematic views showing a sequence of positions ofthe engaging portion of the picking member and the operation of the camsurface to retract the engaging member as the picking member rotates.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a portion of a belt flight includinglongitudinally spaced projections thereon.

FIG. 12 is a side cross sectional view of the sheet transport showing asheet in engagement with a plurality of belt flights and projectingmember portions.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a sheet transport including belt flightsof the type shown in FIG. 11 operating to move a sheet through thetransport.

FIG. 14 is a side schematic view showing a sheet that has been dispensedby a dispenser mechanism moving to engage a sheet transport.

FIGS. 15–17 show alternative exemplary forms of projections positionedon belt flights which may be used in connection with sheet transportsincluding the improvement of the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows a media cassette arrangement including indicator buttons.

FIG. 19 shows a front angled view of the cassette housing of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 shows a rear angled view of the cassette housing of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 shows a front view of an alternative cassette housing.

FIG. 22 shows a rear view of the cassette housing of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 shows a low media indicator arrangement for a cassette.

FIG. 24 shows a media low lockout arrangement in an unlocked position.

FIG. 25 shows a media low lockout arrangement in a locked position.

FIG. 26 shows a cassette with its lid closed.

FIG. 27 shows a cassette portion including an RFID tag.

FIG. 28 shows a cassette having an RFID tag adjacent indication contactbuttons.

FIG. 29 shows a push plate having a target.

FIG. 30 shows a cassette with an RFID area, an indication button area,and an inductive charging port area.

FIG. 31 shows a cassette portion with a programmable keypad area.

FIG. 32 shows a battery pack in a cassette.

FIG. 33 shows a programmable locking button and LED arrangement.

FIG. 34 shows another programmable locking button and LED arrangement.

FIG. 35 shows a further programmable locking button and LED arrangement.

FIG. 36 shows a cassette and tray arrangement.

FIG. 37 shows another cassette and tray arrangement.

FIG. 38 shows a further cassette and tray arrangement.

FIG. 39 shows a cassette work station area.

FIG. 40 shows a cassette rail system.

FIG. 41 shows a rail, spacer, and cap of a rail assembly.

FIG. 42 shows a rail and cap of another rail assembly.

FIG. 43 shows a fastener arrangement securing together a rail, spacer,and cap of a rail assembly.

FIG. 44 shows a fastener arrangement securing together a rail and cap ofanother rail assembly.

FIGS. 45–56 show examples of different rail assembly configurations fora cassette.

FIG. 57 shows a media stack overload prevention arrangement for acassette.

FIG. 58 shows a divert cassette with a partition in a first position.

FIG. 59 shows the divert cassette of FIG. 58 with the partition in asecond position.

FIG. 60 shows a divert cassette with a self-locking partition.

FIG. 61 shows a lock for a partition.

FIG. 62 shows a positioning of a lock arm and a torsion spring.

FIG. 63 shows another positioning of the lock arm and the torsionspring.

FIG. 64 shows an opened divert cassette.

FIG. 65 shows a front perspective view of a divert cassette.

FIG. 66 shows a rear perspective view of the cassette of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 shows a front perspective view of another divert cassette.

FIG. 68 shows a perspective of an automated banking machine.

FIG. 69 shows a front view of the machine of FIG. 68.

FIG. 70 shows a top view of the machine of FIG. 68.

FIG. 71 shows a side view of the machine of FIG. 68.

FIG. 72 shows a perspective of another automated banking machine.

FIG. 73 shows a top view of the machine of FIG. 72.

FIG. 74 shows a side view of the machine of FIG. 72.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly FIG. 1, there is showntherein an exemplary embodiment of an automated banking machinegenerally indicated 10. In the exemplary embodiment machine 10 is anATM. However it should be understood that the invention may be used inconnection with other types of automated transaction machines andbanking machines.

Automated banking machine 10 includes a housing 12 which houses certaincomponents of the machine. The components of the machine include inputand output devices. In this exemplary embodiment the input devicesinclude a card reader schematically indicated 14. Card reader 14 isoperative to read a customer's card which includes information about thecustomer thereon, such as the customer's account number. In embodimentsof the invention the card reader 14 may be a card reader adapted forreading magnetic stripe cards and/or so-called “smart cards” whichinclude a programmable memory. Another input device in the exemplaryembodiment are input keys 16. Input keys 16 may in embodiments of theinvention, be arranged in a keypad or keyboard. Input keys 16 mayalternatively or in addition include function keys or other types ofdevices for receiving manual inputs. It should be understood that invarious embodiments of the invention other types of input devices may beused such as biometric readers, speech or voice recognition devices,inductance type readers, IR type readers, and other devices capable ofcommunicating with a person, article or computing device, radiofrequency type readers and other types of devices which are capable ofreceiving information that identifies a customer and/or their account.

The exemplary embodiment of machine 10 also includes output devicesproviding outputs to the customer. In the exemplary embodiment machine10 includes a display 18. Display 18 may include an LCD, CRT or othertype display that is capable of providing visible indicia to a customer.In other embodiments of the invention output devices may include devicessuch as audio speakers, RF transmitters, IR transmitters or other typesof devices that are capable of providing outputs which may be perceivedby a user either directly or through use of a computing device, articleor machine. It should be understood that embodiments of the inventionmay also include combined input and output devices such as a touchscreen display which is capable of providing outputs to a user as wellas receiving inputs.

The exemplary embodiment of the automated banking machine 10 alsoincludes a receipt printer schematically indicated 20. The receiptprinter is operative to print receipts for users reflecting transactionsconducted at the machine. Forms of the invention may also include othertypes of printing mechanisms such as statement printer mechanisms,ticket printing mechanisms, check printing mechanisms, and other devicesthat operate to apply indicia to media in the course of performingtransactions carried out with the machine.

Automated banking machine 10 further includes one or more controllersschematically indicated 22. Controller 22 includes one or moreprocessors that are in operative connection with a memory schematicallyindicated 24. The controller is operative to carry out programmedinstructions to achieve operation of the machine in accomplishingtransactions. As schematically indicated, the controller is in operativeconnection with a plurality of the transaction function devices includedin the machine.

The exemplary embodiment of the invention includes at least onecommunications device 26. The communications device may be one or moreof a plurality of types of devices that enable the machine tocommunicate with other systems and devices for purposes of carrying outtransactions. For example, communications device 26 may include a modemfor communicating messages over a data line or wireless network, withone or more other computers that operate to transfer data representativeof the transfer of funds in response to transactions conducted at themachine. Alternatively the communications device 26 may include varioustypes of network interfaces, line drivers or other devices suitable toenable communication between the machine 10 and other computers andsystems.

Machine 10 also includes a plurality of sensing devices for sensingvarious conditions in the machine. These various sensing devices arerepresented schematically by component 28 for simplicity and tofacilitate understanding. It should be understood that a plurality ofsensing devices are provided in the machine for sensing and indicatingto the controller 22 the status of devices within the machine.

Automated banking machine 10 further includes a plurality of actuatorsschematically indicated 30 and 32. The actuators may comprise aplurality of devices such as motors, solenoids, cylinders, rotaryactuators and other types of devices that are operated responsive to thecontroller 22. It should be understood that numerous components withinthe automated banking machine are operated by actuators positioned inoperative connection therewith. Actuators 30 and 32 are shown toschematically represent such actuators in the machine and to facilitateunderstanding.

In the exemplary automated banking machine 10 there are four sheetdispenser mechanisms 34, 36, 38 and 40. Each sheet dispensing mechanismis operative responsive to the controller 22 to pick sheets. Sheets maybe selectively picked generally one at a time from a stack of sheetssuch as stack 42 shown adjacent to sheet dispenser mechanism 34. In theexemplary embodiment each of the stacks of sheets associated with arespective sheet dispenser mechanism is housed in a canister orcassette. A canister for use in an automated banking machine may be ofthe type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,085, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. A canister 44 houses sheets inconnection with dispenser mechanism 34. Likewise a canister 46 housessheets to be picked by dispenser mechanism 36. A canister 48 housessheets dispensed by dispenser mechanism 38 and a canister 50 housessheets that are dispensed by dispenser mechanism 40. As schematicallyrepresented in canister 44, the stack of sheets 42 is biased to engagethe sheet dispenser mechanism by a biasing mechanism 52.

In the exemplary embodiment, canisters or cassettes 44, 46, 48, 50 areused to house media having predetermined value, e.g., currency,including bank notes or bills or sheets. Such bank notes may be ofvarious currency denominations which enable dispensing money in varyingamounts to customers. Alternatively, one or more of the canisters orcassettes may hold other types of media or sheets such as coupons,scrip, tickets, money orders, vouchers, checks, gaming materials, orother items of value. The controller operates the dispenser mechanismselectively in response to customer inputs and information from systemswith which the machine communicates, to cause sheets to be selectivelydispensed from the multi-media canisters.

Notes that are dispensed from the canisters in the exemplary embodimentare engaged with a first note transport schematically indicated 54.First note transport 54, which is later described in detail, includes aplurality of continuous belts 56. The belts extend around sets ofrollers 58 which operate to drive and guide the belts. As shownschematically in FIG. 1 by the sheet dispensed from dispenser mechanism36, sheets are enabled to engage the adjacent flights of belts 56 andmove in engagement therewith upward to a second transport 60.

The second transport 60 in the exemplary embodiment is similar to thatshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,165 the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference. Transport 60 also includes a plurality ofcontinuous belts 62 which extend about sets of rollers 64. Rollers 64operate to drive the belt 62 such that notes passing upward in transport54 initially engage flights of belt 62 and are collected into a stack66. In response to operation of the controller 22 when a desired numberof notes have been collected in the stack 66, the stack is moved in themanner of the incorporated disclosure and the belts 62 are driven sothat the stack 66 is moved toward a user opening 68 in the housing 12 ofthe machine. As the notes are moved toward the opening 68, thecontroller operates a suitable actuating device to operate a gate 70 soas to enable the stack to pass outward through the opening. As a resultthe user is enabled to receive the sheets from the machine. After a useris sensed as having removed the stack from the opening, the controllermay operate to close the gate 70 so as to minimize the risk of tamperingwith the machine.

It should be understood that the devices shown in connection withexemplary automated banking machine 10 are representative of devicesthat may be found in such machines. Numerous additional or alternativetypes of devices such as deposit accepting devices, document readingdevices, currency accepting devices, ticket printing devices andadditional devices may be included in automated banking machines whichare used in connection with the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows the sheet dispenser mechanism 34 in greater detail. In theexemplary embodiment of the machine 10 all the dispenser mechanisms arethe same, therefore only one will be described in detail. Dispensermechanism 34 includes a picking member 72. The picking member 72 isselectively rotated responsive to the controller 22 about an axis 74.Bank notes or other sheets in the stack 42 are supported by a supportingsurface 76 which terminates in the area adjacent to the picking member.An end note 78 bounds the stack adjacent to the picking member 72.During each rotation of the picking member the then current end notebounding the stack is moved and delivered from the stack and passed tothe transport 54.

The picking member 72 has an outer bounding surface 80. The outerbounding surface 80 is in generally abutting relation with strippingmembers 82. As previously discussed the stripping members 82 in theexemplary embodiment do not rotate in a clockwise direction as shown inFIG. 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the stripping members 82 willhowever rotate in a counterclockwise direction due to action ofassociated one-way clutches as later described.

Positioned downstream of the stripping members 82 is a doubles detector84. Doubles detector 84 may be a mechanical sensor, radiation sensor,sonic sensor or other type sensor that is suitable for determining ifsingle or multiple notes have moved past the stripping member toward thetransport. Downstream of the doubles detector are a pair of carry awayrolls 86. The carry away rolls are operative to engage sheets that havemoved sufficiently away from the stack so as to engage the rolls. Therolls, which are operated by a drive in response to the controller 22,operate to engage sheets and move them into the transport. It should beunderstood that this configuration of the dispenser mechanism isexemplary and in other embodiments different configurations may be used.

As discussed in the incorporated disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,720,the normal operation of the dispenser mechanism involves the pickingmember rotating responsive to the controller 22 during pickingoperations. When it is desired to pick the end note 78 the pickingmember 72 rotates in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 14about the axis 74. This is done through operation of a drive or othersimilar device. Rotation of the picking member urges the end note 78 tomove from the stack. The stripping members 82 resist the movement of theend note because the stripping members do not move in a clockwisedirection as shown in FIG. 14. Because of the surface area of thepicking member 72 engaging the end note and the frictional properties ofthe outer bounding surface 80, the force urging the end note 78 to movefrom the stack generally overcomes the resistance force of the strippingmembers. This is because the stripping members have a smaller surfacearea and/or a different frictional coefficient resulting in lessresistance force than the moving force of the picking member. Thestripping members however provide sufficient resistance to resistgenerally all but the end note 78 from moving from the stack. This isbecause the notes in the stack other than the end note, are not directlyengaged with the picking member and do not experience the same degree offorce urging them to move from the stack.

As the end note 78 is moved from the stack the thickness thereof may besensed by the doubles detector 84. The doubles detector 84 isoperatively connected to the controller and at least one signal from thedoubles detector provides an indication as to whether a single or amultiple note has been pulled from the stack in circumstances wheremultiple notes are sensed, the controller may cause the picking memberto operate to stop rotating in the counterclockwise direction as shownin FIG. 14, and instead to rotate in a clockwise direction. When thepicking member 72 rotates in a clockwise direction to pull sheets backinto the stack 42, the stripping members 82 are enabled to cooperativelyrotate in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 14. This is dueto the one-way clutch associated with each of the stripping members. Asa result the sheets are returned to the stack. Thereafter the controller22 may again operate so as to rotate picking member 72 in acounterclockwise direction and an attempt is again made to pick a singleend note from the stack.

In circumstances where the doubles detector 84 senses only a single notepassing from the stack, the controller operates a drive or othersuitable moving mechanism to cause the carry away rolls 86 to engage andmove the sheet to the transport 54. It should be understood that thesteps described as being taken responsive to operation of the controllerare exemplary. In some embodiments of the invention the controller maycause the machine to operate to direct double notes to a divert bin orother storage area rather than attempting to repeatedly pick a singlenote.

The picking member of the exemplary embodiment of the present inventionis shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The picking member 72includes a central shaft 88. Three separated cylindrical portions aresupported on the shaft. These cylindrical portions include a centralportion 90. Disposed on a first axial side of cylindrical portion 90 isa first outboard portion 92. Disposed in an opposed axial direction fromcentral cylindrical portion is a second outboard portion 94.

As shown in FIG. 3 each cylindrical portion 90, 92 and 94 has anassociated one of the stripping members 82 in abutting relationtherewith, indicated 96, 98 and 100 respectively. Each of the strippingmembers has an associated one-way clutch 102, 104 and 106 operativelyconnected therewith. Each of the one-way clutches as previouslydiscussed, enables only one-way rotation of the stripping member. Thestripping member is enabled to rotate only when sheets are being pulledback into the stack. However when sheets are being picked the strippingmembers remain generally stationary.

As shown schematically in FIG. 3, shaft 88 is operatively connected witha drive 108 which selectively rotates the shaft responsive to signalsfrom the controller. As also shown in FIG. 3, in the exemplaryembodiment stripping member 96 which is in abutting relation with thecentral portion 90 is somewhat angularly disposed from stripping members98 and 100 which are in abutting relation with the outboard portions 92and 94 respectively. In the exemplary form of the invention, strippingmember 96 is disposed somewhat angularly forward of the other strippingmembers such that notes tend to engage the central stripping memberduring picking prior to engaging stripping members 98 and 100. Of coursein other embodiments of the invention other approaches, configurationsand types of stripping members and picking members may be used.

As shown in FIG. 2 the outer bounding surface 80 of the picking memberincludes an outer surface 110 of cylindrical portion 90, as well asouter surface 112 of cylindrical portion 92 and outer surface 114 ofcylindrical portion 94. Outer surface 110 includes thereon a ribbedrelatively high friction portion 116. The balance of the outer surface110 has a relatively lower friction portion 118. High friction portion116 applies an engaging force to the end note bounding the stack whichis generally sufficient to engage and move the end note from the stack.The low friction portion 118 is generally enabled to move relative tothe end note without causing the note to be moved from the stack. In theexemplary embodiment this construction facilitates reliably picking asingle note each time the picking member is rotated one turn. Thisconstruction further provides spacing between notes sequentially pickedfrom the stack. Such spacing facilitates identifying and handling ofnotes.

Outer surface 112 of cylindrical portion 92 likewise includes a ribbed,relatively high friction portion 120 on the outer surface thereof. Outersurface 112 also includes a relatively lower friction portion 122 whichsurrounds the high friction portion. The angular position of highfriction portion 120 generally corresponds to high friction portion 116on the central portion 90. As is the case with the other relatively highand low friction portions, high friction portion 120 applies force tothe end note generally sufficient to engage and move it from the stack,while the relatively lower friction portion is enabled to move inengagement with the end note without causing it to be disposed from thestack. Similarly as shown in FIG. 2 cylindrical portion 94 also includesa generally high friction portion 124 and a generally lower frictionportion 126. The high and low friction portions on the cylindricalportion 94 angularly correspond to the high and low friction portions onthe other cylindrical portions of the picking member.

As most clearly shown in the partial cross sectional view in FIG. 3,within the high friction portion 120 of cylindrical portion 92, is anarcuate segment 128. Arcuate segment 128 occupies a portion of the axialwidth of the cylindrical portion toward the outboard side of the pickingmember. The arcuate segment 128 is supported on a movable member 130.Movable member 130 as later discussed in detail, is movable relative tothe cylindrical portion and the picking member in a manner which enablesarcuate segment 128 to move radially outward relative to the boundingsurface bounding the picking member. In the exemplary form of theinvention the cylindrical portion 92 is generally I-shaped in transversecross section and includes a central web portion 132. The web portion132 terminates in cross section in a flange portion 134 which supportsthe outer surface 112 thereon. The movable member 130 is movable in arecess 136 on a first longitudinal side of the web member 132.

A cam 138 is positioned in a recess 140 which extends on opposedlongitudinal side from recess 136. Cam 138 is in supporting connectionwith the shaft 88. Cam 138 is also in supporting connection with asupport member portion 142. The support member portion 142 operates tohold the cam 138 stationary as the shaft 88 and cylindrical portion 92rotates.

Cylindrical portion 94 includes structures which are generally a mirrorimage of those associated with cylindrical portion 92. The high frictionportion of outer surface 114 includes an arcuate segment 144 which issupported on a movable member 146. The movable member 146 is positionedin a recess 148 which is bounded by a web portion 150 and a flangeportion 152 of cylindrical portion 94.

A cam 154 is positioned in a recess 156 on an opposed longitudinal sidefrom recess 148. Cam 154 is in supporting connection with the shaft 88and is held stationary relative to the shaft by a support member portion158.

As the operation of the cylindrical portions 92 and 94 of the pickingmember are similar, an explanation of the operation of the pickingmember will be described with reference to cylindrical portion 94. Asbest seen in FIG. 4, the segment 144 extends through an opening 160 inthe flange portion 152 of cylindrical portion 94. The exemplary movablemember 146 is generally horseshoe shaped and is supported on the pickingmember through a pivot connection 162. The pivot connection supports themovable member 146 through the web portion 150.

The cam 154 is bounded by a cam surface 164. A cam follower portion 166is supported on the movable member 146 at an end opposed of the arcuatesegment 144. The cam follower portion extends through an opening 168 inthe web portion 150. This enables the cam follower portion 166 to engagethe cam surface 164 of the cam 154. As can be appreciated, thisarrangement enables the position of the arcuate segment 144 to becontrolled as the picking member rotates due to the engagement of thecam follower 166 with the cam surface 164.

The overall operation of the exemplary picking member 72 is explainedwith reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. As indicated in FIG. 5, during normaloperation of the picking member the high friction portions on thepicking members engage an end note 78 bounding the stack. The highfriction portions move the note generally engaged and at the same speedas the picking member, past the stripping member 82 so that the end noteis moved from the stack. During this normal operation the note moves insynchronized relation with the movement of the outer bounding surface 80of the picking member 72. As a result during normal operation thevelocity of the end note indicated by arrow N corresponds generally tothe velocity of the outer surface 80 of the picking member representedby arrow P. Arrow F corresponds to the direction of the force applied tothe stack which holds the end note 78 in engaged relation with thepicking member 72.

FIG. 6 represents the operation of the picking member 72 of theexemplary embodiment when an end note 78 fails to move in coordinatedrelation with the picking member. In such circumstances the velocity anddisplacement of the picking member is greater than the correspondingvelocity and movement of the end note 78. The high friction arcuatesegments 128, 144 which serve as engaging portions, because they areenabled to move relative to the picking member 72, tend to maintainengaged relation with the end note. This is represented by the arcuatesegment 144 in FIG. 6. Because the engaging portion of the arcuatesegment 144 remains engaged with the end note and is movable relative tothe picking member, when the angular movement of the picking memberexceeds the movement of the engaging portion of segment 144, the segment144 moves radially outward relative to outer bounding surface 80. Themovement of the engaging portion further radially outward relative tothe axis of rotation 74 increases the engaging force on the end noteurging it to move from the stack. As can be appreciated from the laterdetailed description of the movable member, the engaging portions tendto move further radially outward providing increasing engaging force,with an increase in difference between the movement of the pickingmember and the engaging portion. This increasing force on the end notetends to cause the end note to begin moving past the stripping members82 so that the note can be picked. As the end note begins to move incoordinated relation with the picking member, the engaging portions maybegin to move radially inward. In the exemplary embodiment the action ofthe cam follower portion and the cam surface operate to assure that theengaging portions are moved radially inward to the level of the outerbounding surface 80 by the time the engaging portions rotate to aposition adjacent to the stripping members 82. This assures that theengaging portions and the notes are not damaged.

FIGS. 7–10 show the exemplary operation of the picking member 72 withregard to cylindrical portion 94 of the picking member. It should beunderstood that cylindrical portion 92 is a mirror image thereof andworks in a similar manner during picking. As represented in FIG. 7, thepicking member 72 rotates in the direction of arrow P. Assuming that anend note engaged with the engaging portion which is included on segment144 is not moving in synchronization with the picking member, thesegment 144 rotates in a first direction about pivot connection 162.This results because the segment 144 is engaged with the note and theangular movement thereof does not correspond to the angular movement ofthe picking member 72 about the axis 74. Segment 144 moves radiallyoutward relative to axis 74. The radially outward movement of segment144 is limited by the engagement of the cam follower portion 166 withthe cam portion 164 of cam 154.

As can be appreciated, the outward movement of the engaging portion onsegment 144 applies increasing engaging force on the end note responsiveto the end note not moving with the picking member. In addition theengaging portion of segment 144 operates to move further radiallyoutward with an increasing difference between the movement of thepicking member and the movement of the note. This outward movement maycontinue until the segment 144 reaches the full extent of its travel aslimited by the cam surface.

As shown in FIG. 8, if the end note has not initially moved incoordinated relation with the picking member, the engaging portion ofthe arcuate segment 144 will generally remain extended radially outwardrelative to the outer bounding surface of the picking member as thepicking member further rotates. This provides additional force tendingto assure that the note is moved from the stack. It should beappreciated that once the note begins moving, if note movement begins toexceed that of the picking member, the engaging portion of the arcuatesegment 144 will begin to retract radially inward toward the outerbounding surface 80. Generally however once the engaging portion hasextended radially outward, it will remain outwardly extended to theextent permitted by the engagement of the cam follower portion 166 withthe cam surface 164.

As shown in FIG. 9, as the picking member 72 rotates further toward theposition where the engaging portion of the arcuate segment 144approaches the stripping members, the profile of the cam surface 164causes the cam follower portion 166 to cause the movable member 146 torotate relative to the pivot connection 162. As shown in FIG. 9 the camsurface tends to rotate the movable member 146 in a generally opposedrotational direction about pivot connection 162, a direction in whichthe movable member rotates to extend the arcuate segment. As a result,as the picking member rotates so that the arcuate segment approaches thestripping member, the arcuate segment tends to move radially inwardtoward the outer bounding surface 80.

As shown in FIG. 10 once the picking member 72 has rotated to the pointwhere the engaging portion of segment 144 is in abutting relation withthe stripping member, the operation of the cam surface 164 and the camfollower portion 166 has caused the engaging portion to be retractedthrough movement of the movable member 146. The outer surface of segment144 at this point is moved to generally conform with the outer boundingsurface 80 of the picking member. In addition as the engaging portion onthe segment 144 retracts radially inward, the engaging portion applies adecreasing engaging force to the end note as the end note is movedbetween the picking member and the stripping member. This decreasingforce not only avoids collisions between the engaging portion and thestripping members, but it also prevents possible damage to the mechanismas well as to the notes being picked.

As shown in FIG. 10 the exemplary form of the invention includes a stopportion 170 on the movable member 146. The stop portion 170 engages asurface 172 bounding recess 148. The stop portion prevents the engagingportion on the segment 144 from being moved radially inwardsubstantially beyond the outer bounding surface 80 of the pickingmember.

As can be appreciated this exemplary embodiment of the picking memberprovides increasing engaging force on the end note responsive to the endnote not moving with the picking member. As a result additional pickingforce is applied in only those circumstances where it is required tomove the end note from the stack. In circumstances where notes aresoiled, have high surface tension or are: of slippery consistency,additional moving force is usually automatically applied. Further theexemplary form of the picking member also enables compensating for wearor reduced friction with soiling that may result from extended use of apicking member. In this way the exemplary form of the picking member isable to compensate for those conditions which might otherwise result ina decrease in note picking reliability.

It should further be understood that while in the exemplary form of thepicking member the engaging portion is moved radially outward andapplies additional picking force based on the relative movement betweenthe end note and the picking member, in other embodiments otherapproaches may be used. Such approaches may include for example, otherdevices and systems for determining a difference in relative movementbetween the notes being picked and the picking member, and moving inengaging portion to apply additional engaging force in response thereto.Although the exemplary form of the invention uses a mechanical typesystem to accomplish this, electronic and electromechanical systems maybe used in other embodiments.

A further useful aspect of the exemplary form of the picking member andits operation in connection with dispensing mechanisms, is that it maybe readily retrofit to an existing automated banking machine. Theexemplary form of the invention enables a service technician to accessan interior area of an ATM such as by unlocking a door to a secure chestportion. Once access is gained to the note handling mechanism, thetechnician may remove an existing picking member which does not includethe features of the radially movable engaging portions, and to install apicking member 72 in place thereof. In the exemplary form of theinvention the support member portions 142 and 158 are configured toengage existing surfaces within the housing of the ATM so as to hold thecams stationary as the picking member rotates. Once installed in theATM, the door to the secure chest portion is closed and locked.

Picking member 72 is constructed to have the same general profile aspicking members that do not incorporate the exemplary form of thepresent invention. Thus, installation of the exemplary picking member isreadily made to improve the operation of the machine. It should furtherbe understood that the programming of the controller 22 also often neednot be changed to accommodate the installation of the picking member 72.Except as described herein, the operation of the picking member 72 issimilar to that of a picking member which may be replaced in terms ofmoving and retracting notes.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention a note transport such asnote transport 54, includes features to reduce the risk that notes maybecome stuck or jammed in the transport. As previously discussed inconnection with FIG. 1, note transport 54 includes a plurality ofcontinuous belts 56 which extend about sets of rollers 58. It should beunderstood that the transport 54 may include belts that extend theentire length of the transport or may have several belts which spansections of the transport. In an exemplary form of the present inventionthe continuous belts are arranged so that the transport includes aplurality of generally parallel belt flights. These belt flights arerepresented in FIG. 12 by belt flights 174, 176 and 178. Each of thebelt flights extend along a longitudinal direction of the transport, inwhich longitudinal direction sheets are moved. The belt flights aremoved through operation of a drive or similar moving mechanism which iscontrolled responsive to operation of the controller 22 and which drivesthe rollers upon which the belts are supported.

As shown in FIG. 12, disposed transversely intermediate of each adjacentpair of belt flights, are projecting member portions 180, 182. As can bereadily seen from FIG. 12, each of the belt flights has a first sheetengaging surface represented by surface 184 of belt flight 174, whichfaces in a first facing direction toward a sheet 186 which extends inthe transport. The projecting member portions each include a secondsheet engaging surface represented by surface 188 of projecting memberportion 180. The second sheet engaging surface 188 faces in a secondfacing direction which is generally opposed of the first facingdirection. As will be appreciated the first and second facing directionsin which the sheet engaging surfaces of the belt flights and theprojecting member portions extend respectively, are both generallynormal of the longitudinal direction in which the sheets move.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 12 and 13, the configuration of thefirst belt flights and the sheet engaging member portion is such that asheet that is moved into intermediate relation between the first sheetengaging surface of the belt flights and the second sheet engagingsurfaces of the projection member portions, is deformed in a wavelikeconfiguration so that the sheet is engaged with the belt flights. As aresult when the belt flights move, the sheet 186 moves in engagementtherewith.

As can be appreciated from FIG. 14, the sheet transport 54 is enabled toaccept sheets such as a sheet 190 through openings such as opening 192.As can be appreciated, from FIG. 14, a sheet passing through the openingin the projecting member portions moves in engagement with the firstbelt flights to become trapped in sandwiched relation between the beltflights and the projecting member portions. The sheet once trapped inthis manner is caused to be moved along with the belt flights to adesired location within the machine responsive to signals from thecontroller.

As mentioned previously, occasionally sheets such as bank notes becomestuck in transports of this type. This may result due to variousconditions which prevent the notes from moving in coordinated relationwith the belt flights. In the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, conventional type belts which have in the past been used intransports of this type are replaced with alternative belts which reducethe risk that sheets will become stuck. Specifically while prior beltshave a generally smooth continuous sheet engaging surface, thealternative belts used in the exemplary form of the present inventioninclude at least one longitudinally spaced projection which extends inthe first facing direction from the sheet engaging surface of the belt.In a more preferred exemplary form of the present invention suchlongitudinally spaced projections extend at spaced intervals on thefirst sheet engaging surface of the belt. The presence of suchlongitudinally spaced extending projections engage sheets that mightotherwise not move in the transport and move them to the desiredlocation.

FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of belt flight 174 with the first sheetengaging surface 184 thereof turned 180 degrees from that shown in FIG.13. The first sheet engaging surface 184 includes a plurality oflongitudinally spaced projections 194. The projections 194 extendgenerally in the first facing direction represented by arrow 196. In theexemplary form of the invention, the projections 194 are deformable,resilient and spaced from one another a distance that is greater thanthe length of the sheets that are moved through the associated transportin the longitudinal direction. This enables a sheet to extend betweenthe adjacent longitudinally spaced projections. It should be understoodhowever that other embodiments of the invention may have projectionswith other properties and the projections spaced more closely together.Other alternative embodiments of the invention may have the projectionsspaced far apart even to the extent of including only one suchprojection on the continuous sheet engaging surface of a belt.

In embodiments of the invention all of the belts used in connection witha transport may include projections thereon. However in some embodimentsit may be desirable only to replace certain belts with alternate beltsincluding such projections. For example in the transport including threebelt flights shown in FIG. 13, it may be desirable only to replace themiddle belt with an alternate belt. Alternatively it may be desirable toreplace the two outward belts with an alternate belt, leaving the middlebelt as having a generally smooth continuous outer surface. Variousapproaches to replacing the belts may be taken depending on theparticular type of documents being transported.

As shown in FIG. 13 embodiments of the invention may have multiple beltsarranged such that the projections that extend from the first sheetengaging surfaces of the belts are generally transversely aligned. Inthis way each of the longitudinally spaced projections will maintaingenerally the same spaced relation relative to the other projections asthe belts are moved from the transport. Alternate embodiments of theinvention may have the belts installed such that there is nopredetermined relationship between the projections on each respectiveadjacent belt. In each situation benefit is obtained as the projectionsfacilitate movement of sheets in the transport.

It should be understood that the configuration of belt flight 174 withthe longitudinally spaced projections which extend across the firstsheet engaging surface of the belt is exemplary. In other embodiments ofthe invention other types of projection configurations may be used. Forexample, FIG. 15 shows a belt flight 198. Belt flight 198 includesbubble type projections 200. FIG. 16 shows a further alternate beltflight 202 which has adjacent cone-like projections 204. FIG. 17 showsyet a further alternate belt flight 206. Belt flight 206 includesramp-like projections 207. It should be understood that these belt andprojection configurations are exemplary and in other embodiments otherconfigurations may be used.

The exemplary form of the transport improvements of the presentinvention is designed for use in connection with existing transportswhich move sheets such as bank notes in an automated banking machine.Belts which include the improvement are made to extend about existingsets of rollers within the machines and to replace existing transportbelts which have generally smooth continuous sheet engaging surfacesabout the entire periphery thereof. To improve the performance of thetransports in such machines, a service person must open the housing ofthe machine such as by unlocking and opening a door of a secure chest.The service person is then enabled to remove the existing transport beltfrom a set of rollers which support and move such belt. With the priorbelt removed from the transport, an alternative belt of one of the typesdescribed herein including longitudinally spaced projections isinstalled in supporting connection with the set of rollers. The serviceperson may then close and lock the door of the secure chest of the ATM.Sheets may be then moved in the transport urged not only by therelatively smooth portions of the sheet engaging surface of the belt,but further urged to move by engagement with the projections thereon. Ascan be appreciated, the projections on the belts provide additionalurging force that is generally sufficient to move sheets that otherwisemight slip or become stuck in a transport.

It should be appreciated that in the exemplary embodiment, the alternatebelts described may be used in connection with transport 54 as well astransport 60. The principles of the invention may also be applied toother devices which move sheets within the machine. For example beltswhich include longitudinally spaced projections of the type describedherein may be used in connection with a system for moving stacks ofsheets such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,507,481, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. In such transports theprojecting member portions comprise moving belt flights which move incoordinated relation with the facing belt flights and serve to transportstacks in between. Alternative belts including projecting portionsthereon may be used to move stacks of sheets that are in between andenable movement of such stacks more reliably. As is explained in theincorporated disclosure, such transports in which the projecting memberportions comprise moving belt flights enable reliably moving stacks ofnotes or connected sheets such as passbooks and checkbooks within anautomated banking machine.

The principles of the present invention may also be applied to othertypes of stack and sheet transports including for example, stackaccumulation and presentation mechanisms such as is found in U.S. Pat.No. 5,435,542, the disclosure of which is also incorporated herein byreference. Of course the principles of the invention may be applied toother transport mechanisms as well. It should be understood that theimproved sheet dispensing functions achieved through utilization of theprinciples of the present invention may be incorporated in automatedbanking machines with the improved transport features to achieveimproved reliability in moving and delivering sheets within theautomated banking machine. Of course it should also be understood thatin some embodiments the improved picking capabilities will beimplemented without the improved transport capabilities and vice versa.The principles of the invention may also be applied to otherconfigurations of picking members and devices as well as sheettransports.

In an exemplary embodiment, cassettes or canisters can be labeled toidentify and indicate the content of media therein. For example, amulti-media canister may use a mechanical button arrangement torepresent items of data relating to the canister and its content. Theuse and operation of information indication buttons for a canister isdescribed in detail in the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,085, whichhas been incorporated herein by reference. A button (or movable cassetteinformation indicator member) arrangement may be reflective of cassetteownership, cassette serial number, and media description (e.g.,denomination code, height, thickness). A button arrangement can be readby the automated banking machine via a media dispenser. The buttons cancontact an electrical switch actuator of a dispenser component. In anexemplary embodiment, button contact surfaces can include gold plating.

However, the changing of an information indication button arrangementmay require the cassette or canister to be opened in order for servicepersonnel to access the buttons. Additionally, certain buttonarrangements may require that some button holes remain empty of buttons.Thus, the possibility of losing unused removed buttons during handlingexists. What is needed is a cassette that enables unused buttons toremain therewith and that permits a button arrangement to be changedwithout requiring opening of the cassette.

FIG. 18 shows a portion of a media cassette 208. The cassette includes ahousing 210, button holes 212, and buttons 214. The buttons can have anoutward end or head. The buttons can be elongated and have an axis. Theposition of the buttons can be changed (or adjusted or reconfigured) tocorrespondingly change (or alter) the cassette information that isrepresented by the position of the buttons. The buttons can be axiallymoved (e.g., repositioned) outward and inward relative to the cassettehousing (or outer surface of the cassette) by rotation thereof. Forexample, a button may be rotated counterclockwise approximately 90degrees to move the button head from an inward location or position(e.g., recessed or retracted inward from the housing outer surface) toan outward location or position (e.g., extended outward from the housingouter surface). Of course, distances or angles less than or greater than90 degrees may be used. An outwardly positioned button can be read orsensed by the machine. When a button is in an inward position, thebutton head may be flush with a cassette outer surface or inward of theouter surface. An ATM may be arranged such that an inwardly positionedbutton cannot be read (or detected or sensed) by the machine, whereas anoutwardly positioned button can be read.

A button may be similar to a screw. A button may have threads whichpermit its movement relative to the cassette housing. A button head mayhave a groove or slot arrangement which is adapted to receive the end ofa conventional rotation device, such as a screw driver. Alternatively, abutton head may have a unique groove or protrusion arrangement whichrequires a special tool to engage and move the button. Thus, for reasonsof security, only authorized personnel may have access to the specialtool.

A button head may be accessed from outside of the cassette. That is,authorized service personnel may access the buttons without firstopening the cassette. Thus, a cassette need not be opened to change ormodify a button arrangement. For example, a cassette fully loaded withcurrency need not have the currency removed in order to rearrangebuttons.

A button can be operatively engaged to a cassette to remain therewith.The end of a button opposite the button head may be removably fixed tothe cassette. For example, the end may have a securing device, such as apin or flange or tab, to prevent removal of the button by outwardmovement. Thus, a button may have a fixed or predetermined limit to itsoutward extent. Likewise, a button may also have limited movement in itsinward direction. A button may be removably attached to a cassette whilethe cassette lid is open. That is, the securement of a button to thecassette may be of such an arrangement that the button may not beremoved or disengaged from a cassette without first opening thecassette.

The cassette housing 210 may have a symbol 216 (or emblem or label orindicia) thereon representative or indicative of open and closed buttonpositions. As shown, the symbol 216 includes a representation of abutton head. The symbol indicates, via an arrow, which way to turn orrotate a button to move it between a closed position and an openposition. The symbol also shows that a button head arrow in the verticalor upward direction is indicative of the positive (+) or outward buttonposition. Likewise, the symbol shows that a button head arrow in thehorizontal or sideways direction is indicative of the negative (−) orinward button position. Thus, a button moved so that its arrow is in thevertical position is “on” and can be detected or read by the machine.Likewise, a button moved so that its arrow is in the horizontal positionis “off” and cannot be detected by the machine.

FIG. 18 shows eight button holes and seven buttons. Seven of the buttonholes are labeled with indicia 1–7. Two buttons (at holes 1 and 4) arein an “on” (extended) position and five buttons (at holes 2–3 and 5–7)in an “off” (retracted) position. Of course greater or fewer buttonholes and buttons may be used. The empty button hole can be used forother purposes, such as to indicate a low media condition.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show respective front and rear angled views of thecassette housing of FIG. 18. FIG. 19 also shows a cassette handle 218and a cassette lever 220. FIG. 20 also shows a cassette lid 222 and base224. Service personnel may carry the cassette via the handle. The levermay be used in opening the cassette.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show respective front and rear views of an alternativecassette 226. FIG. 21 also shows a cassette housing 228, handle 230, anda lever 232. FIG. 22 shows the cassette housing 228 having aconfiguration of eighteen button holes 234. The button holes may haveindicia adjacent thereto to represent their usage. For example, a buttonhole 236 to be used by a media low indicator may be labeled “ML”, whichcan be representative of “media low.” Other configurations and labelsmay be used. For example, a media cassette may have twenty-eight buttonholes which can be equivalent to 28 bits. A cassette may also usebuttons to indicate the presence of a cassette, a cassette latchedcondition, and/or a media (e.g., money) low condition to an automatedbanking machine.

As discussed in incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,085, a low currencycondition in a cassette can be indicated or signaled by using anindication contact button. However, sometimes too large an amount ofsurplus currency is often remaining in a cassette when a low currencycondition is indicated. In certain situations it would be more efficientto be able to dispense more of the cassette currency before a servicecall is required. Thus, an ability to adjust what constitutes amedia-low condition in a cassette would be beneficial. An exemplaryembodiment permits such adjustment, refinement, or fine tuning of amedia-low indicator arrangement.

FIG. 23 shows a low media indicator arrangement 238 for a cassette. Apin 240 movable with (e.g., located on or attached to) a push plate body242 is operative to trip a lever 244 in triggering a low mediacondition. The push plate body can be biased (e.g., spring biased) topush (or provide a force on) media toward a media exit portion of thecassette. The trip pin is operative to cause actuation of amedia-condition (e.g., media low) indicator device (e.g., indicatorbutton or indicator button mechanism) responsive to media attaining apredetermined media state in the cassette. The trip pin may have a head246 which can abut or engage a trip lever head 248 to move the triplever generally parallel to the movement of the push plate (e.g., in ahorizontal direction). The heads may be angled cams. The trip lever maybe moved to drive a media-low actuator (or actuator arm) 250. A springloaded actuator arm may be used.

A low media actuator may include an indicating contact button, althoughother devices may also be used to indicate a low media condition to anautomated banking machine. For example, a lever (or actuator arm) may bearranged such that movement thereof may be directly detected or sensedby a machine component to indicate a low media condition, without (or inaddition to) the use of an indicator button. Still, other indicatingrelationships and arrangements may be used.

A cassette wall portion 252 can include a plurality of slots 254 (oropenings). A trip lever 244 can be operatively attached to an actuatorarm 250 via a connector 256 (e.g., pin or screw or bolt) extendingthrough a slot 254. That is, the trip lever and the actuator arm may beconnected with the wall therebetween or intermediate thereof (e.g., thetrip lever on one side of the wall and the actuator arm on the oppositeside of the wall). The connector 256 is operative to slide along a slot254.

A trip lever 244 (or latch or arm) can move in both a pivoting (e.g.,rotational) direction and a lateral direction (i.e., the directiongenerally parallel to the movement of the push plate). The trip lever isoperative to pivot about an axis of the connector. The trip lever caninclude a stop (or ledge or flange) 258. The stop 258 is operative toengage a step (or shelf) 260 of the cassette wall 252. The engagement isoperative to prevent to the trip lever from rotating downward past thestep. The trip lever can also be weighted in a laterally downstreamportion 262 thereof.

As media is depleted, the push plate moves the trip pin. The trip pinhead can eventually contact the trip lever head. With additional pushplate movement the trip lever is pushed by the trip pin in the lateraldirection. That is, the force due to the weighted portion of the levercan prevent rotation of the lever while the lever has the ability toslide in the slot. The trip lever can be pushed laterally until theconnector reaches the downstream end of the slot (e.g., the end of theslot nearest an indicator button hole). With the connector positionedagainst the end of the slot the actuator arm is extended in itsmedia-low position (e.g., a position which can cause an indicator buttonto extend from a button hole).

With the connector positioned against the end of the slot, further pushplate movement can cause the trip lever to overcome the force due theweighted portion and begin to pivot. The trip lever can pivot a distancesuch that trip pin head can eventually slide past the trip lever head.Without any trip pin force acting on the trip lever the weighted portioncan cause the trip lever to pivot in the opposite direction until thestop again engages the step.

The trip pin 240 (e.g., abutting device or tripping device) can be anadjustable trip pin. The pin can be rearranged or repositioned on a pushplate. The embodiment of FIG. 23 provides for a trip pin to have threedifferent trip settings. Of course other arrangements may have greateror fewer settings. In an exemplary embodiment, an adjustable pin can bearranged to fine tune a low media condition to range levels inmillimeters. For example, a trip pin may be adjustable in 2 mmincrements. Of course larger or smaller length increments are within thescope of the exemplary embodiment.

A trip pin (or member) may be removably securable to a push plate (ordevice) at various positions longitudinally spaced along the push plate(or push device) in a direction generally parallel to the movement ofcassette media. A trip pin 240 can be removably attached to a push plateportion 242. For example, the connection may include a snap fit type ofconnection or a tongue and groove type of connection. That is, a trippin may have a plural projections which are adapted to fit into or matewith respective recesses of a push plate portion. FIG. 23 shows recesses264. A connection arrangement may have plural spaced or disposedconnection areas. For example, a connection arrangement may have pairsof connectors. A connection may be similar to a LEGO® block type ofconnection. Other manners of attachment, connection, or fastening mayalso be used.

Alternatively, a trip pin may be slidably secured to a push plate body.The push plate body could have one or more slots. The slots could extendin the push plate in the. (longitudinal) direction of media (and pushplate) movement. The trip pin could be operative to slide along theslots. The trip pin may have a (lower) flange at one end to retainsecurement to the push plate body. The trip pin could be fixed orsecured at a specific position along the slots. A securing (or locking)device could be used to secure the trip pin at a specific position.Hence, a trip pin could be secured to the push plate body (or memberoperatively connected thereto) at a first slot position and then latersecurely repositioned at a second slot position. The trip pin arrangedat the first position (or first setting) could be operative to causeactuation (e.g., trip) of an indicator device prior to having the trippin arranged at the second position (or second setting). That is, a trippin at one setting can cause (or trigger) a cassette media-low indicatorto be actuated (or operated or set into action) at a first predeterminedcurrency volume level condition (or state), whereas the trip pin at adifferent setting can cause the same cassette indicator to be actuatedat a different predetermined currency volume level condition. Thus, theactuation of a media-low indicator at a corresponding predeterminedmedia-low state can be arranged by positioning the trip pin to trip theindicator when the media reaches the predetermined media-low state.Actuation of a media-low indicator can be directly responsive to thetrip pin setting.

Alternatively, a trip pin may be rotatably secured to a push plate body.For example, a trip pin may be turnable like a dial or knob. Forexample, a trip pin may be rotated to one of four different settings. Atrip pin may have different sized heads. Each head could be rotated intoposition engage a trip lever to reflect different media-low levels. Eachrespective head could be used to trip the same media-low indicator atrespective different times. In certain embodiments a trip pin head maybe rotatable while the cassette is in an ATM. Thus, trip settings couldbe automatically changed by the ATM to vary trips settings of aparticular cassette. For example, a cassette may carry two differenttypes of media with one media using a first trip pin head and the othermedia a second trip pin head. Also, a single trip pin head may itself berotatable. The head could have plural different sized lever engagementpoints thereon. For example, the head may have four engagement pointsspaced at 90 degrees. Thus, the trip pin head may be rotated todetermine a particular media-low setting.

Alternatively, a push plate may have plural trip pins fixedly attachedthereto or integral therewith (e.g., of one-piece therewith). That is,the pins may remain with the push plate (i.e., instead of being removedtherefrom). In an embodiment the pins can be recessed or hidden in orbelow a push plate, and then elevated, extended, or revealed duringusage thereof. For example, a pin may be spring biased toward anextended operating position. When the recessed pin is movedperpendicular to and outward from push plate movement it can pop up(e.g., be biased upward in a pivoting direction) into an operatingposition. After use, the pin can be lowered (e.g., moved against thespring into a position parallel with the push plate surface) and thenpushed back into the push plate.

Furthermore, trip pins may be of different sizes or dimensions. Forexample, trip pins may have lever-engaging heads of different lengths.Thus, a first trip pin having a head of a first length may be attachedto a push plate (or some other component which is movable as a paperstack lessens in length). The first trip pin may be attached to the pushplate by using a first groove (or slot) pattern arrangement. The firsttrip pin may be replaced by a second trip pin having a head of longerlength. The second trip pin may be attached to the push plate using thesame groove pattern (connection) arrangement that was used by the firsttrip pin. Thus, a low media volume (or length of currency stack)condition would be indicated sooner using the second trip pin than withthe first trip pin. That is, the longer head portion of the second trippin would trip the trip lever before the shorter head portion of thefirst trip pin.

It should be understood that combinations of (a) adjusting where a trippin is attached to a push plate, and (b) adjusting trip pin head sizesmay be used. Such combinations can further provide fine tuning of lowmedia (or empty media) conditions.

An adjustable trip pin may be set at a particular trip position based onthe thickness of the particular currency which is to be loaded in thecassette. For example, a cassette nay need a longer stack of thicker(e.g., worn or older) notes in order to have the same number of notes asin a smaller stack of thinner (e.g., new) notes. The thickness ofcurrencies may also vary among nations. Hence, a pin may be arranged totrip earlier for thicker notes and later for thinner notes.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to replenish an ATM cassette (orcassettes) prior to losing the ability to dispense a specificdenomination of currency (or the ability to dispense any currency). Anadjustable trip pin may be set at a particular trip position based oncassette service response time ability. For example, a first ATM locatedat a bank building (having bank employees) may have a faster serviceresponse time than a second ATM situated at a remote location which isdistant from service personnel. That is, a bank employee who works inthe bank building (and is notified of a low currency condition) may beable to quickly replenish a currency cassette in the first ATM withoutleaving the bank, whereas a longer length of time may be needed for anentity to replenish the second ATM. The servicing of the second ATM mayrequire lengthy travel time. Of course other service response timescenarios may occur, such as having an ATM located near an ATMmaintenance and/or service center.

Thus, where a relatively longer response time is needed, an adjustabletrip pin may be set so that it trips a low condition lever relativelyearly (e.g., a relatively large portion of a currency stack remains inthe cassette at trip time). Contrarily, where a relatively shorterresponse time is needed, an adjustable pin may be set so that it trips alow condition lever relatively late (e.g., a relatively small portion ofa currency stack remains in the cassette at trip time).

In other situations service personnel may only want to know if acassette has been emptied of its contents. For example, a cassette mayhave been pre-loaded with media such as coupons. The coupon promoter mayhave set a specific limit on the number of coupons to be dispensed.Hence, once the cassette is empty it is not to be reloaded with any moreof the coupons. Thus, an adjustable trip pin may be set so as to be ableto indicate an empty cassette condition.

In alternative embodiments a trip lever can be adjustable. That is, atrip lever may be removed and relocated to a different cassette wallslot. Levers of different sizes and lengths may also be used.Combinations of adjustable and interchangeable trip pins and trip leverscan further provide fine tuning of low media (or empty media)conditions. For example, a trip pin and a trip lever can be arranged toaccurately indicate a fully empty cassette condition.

Furthermore, a sequence of trip indicators using one or more trip leversmay be used. Thus, a machine and/or service personnel maybe able toreceive numerous notices concerning the indicated level of mediaremaining in a particular cassette. Each subsequent notice can bereflective of a lesser amount of media remaining in a cassette. Forexample, a trip pin may pivot a first trip lever to cause a signaling ofa first media low condition (which may correspond to the number of notesor the value of notes remaining in the cassette). The first trip levermay be allowed to pivot to permit the trip pin to slide there beyondtoward the next (second) trip lever in the sequence. The trip pin maythen proceed onward toward the second lever to cause its tripping (i.e.,the second tripping in the sequence). Additionally, the slots in acassette wall may have spacing therebetween of different lengths. Thatis, the space between two adjacent slots may be greater than the spacebetween two other adjacent slots. Other arrangements may use slots ofvarying lengths for use with different sized trip levers. That is, aslot may have a greater length than an adjacent slot.

During rough handling or transport a cassette may be dropped or receivevehicle induced vibration. Thus, in certain situations a media-lowindicator mechanism of a cassette may trip prematurely. Because of apremature trip, a fully loaded cassette may indicate that it needsreplenishing. An exemplary embodiment prevents a media-low indicatormechanism from tripping prematurely. For example, a replenished mediacassette can have its low media condition actuator system locked duringtransport to prevent false firings or trips. The locking arrangement ofthe exemplary embodiment can be used to reduce or prevent service callsdue to false firings of media low mechanisms.

A spring loaded actuator arm can be moved to indicate a low mediacondition. For example, a previously discussed trip lever may be used totrip, fire, or release the actuator arm. An actuator arm may be used toextend an indicator button through a button hole. The actuator arm canbe biased away from its indicating position.

FIG. 24 shows a cassette portion 266 in which a media low lockoutarrangement is in an unlocked (or open) position. The cassette lid 268is also shown as in an open position. FIG. 25 shows the cassette portion266 in which the media low lockout arrangement is in a locked (orclosed) position. FIG. 26 shows the cassette with the lid 268 closed.FIG. 24 also shows the cassette portion having a spring loaded media lowactuator arm 250, media low lock lever 270, and a door 272 (e.g., atambour door). The lock lever 270 can be spring loaded by a spring 274.The lock lever can be biased by the spring toward its unlockingposition, as shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 24 shows the spring in its normal(or resting) biasing state. One end of the spring may be attached to thelock lever and the other end to a portion of the cassette.

The lock lever can be pivoted (or rotated) about a shaft 276 (or pin).The shaft may be flanged 278 at an end thereof to help hold the locklever thereon. An opposite end 280 of the shaft can extend into (orthrough) a shaft slot 282 in a cassette wall portion 252, as shown inFIG. 23. The opposite end may also be flanged to maintain the shaft 276in (or relative to) the shaft slot. The shaft is movable in the shaftslot. The shaft may be movable in a direction generally parallel to thedirection of arrow A. As explained in more detail hereafter, the shaftmay be moved by a portion of the cassette lid 268. The lid portion beingable to bear against the shaft to cause movement thereof.

The actuator arm 250 can be biased by a spring 284 in the direction ofarrow A. That is, the actuator arm can normally be biased to the rightin FIG. 24. The actuator arm can be moved to the left in FIG. 24 toindicate a low media condition. The actuator arm 250 can generally bemoved the length of a horizontal slot 254 in the cassette wall portion252, as previously discussed with regard to FIG. 23.

The lock lever has an engagement portion 286 (projection or tab orfinger) which is adapted to correspondingly engage an engagement portion288 (projection or tab or finger) of the actuator arm in a lockingrelationship. That is, the lever finger 286, when in an upward lockingposition, can engage the actuator finger 288 to prevent movement of theactuator arm toward the left as shown in FIG. 25. The lever finger andthe actuator finger can both have a backside angled cam surface. Shouldthe lever be in a locking position with the lever finger behind theactuator finger, then the angled surfaces may assist movement of theactuator finger past the lever finger. That is, even though a lock levermay be in an upward locking position behind the actuator finger, theactuator arm may be able to slide there past, e.g., slide toward theright in FIG. 24.

The tambour door 272 maybe opened in a recessing or retracting manner.For example, the door can be opened by moving in the direction of arrowA in FIG. 24. Opening of the door can permit a picker mechanism to beproperly positioned to pick media from the cassette. The door can beautomatically opened upon insertion of the cassette into a machine.Further operation of cassette doors is known and need not be discussedherein.

The lock lever 270 is operative to hold the actuator arm 250 in a lockedposition during cassette handling and transport. For example, theactuator arm may be locked during the time period following a cassettereplenishing and prior to placing the replenished cassette in anautomated banking machine. The actuator arm may also be locked duringthe time period between cassette removal from a machine and opening ofthe cassette lid.

When the cassette is inserted into a dispenser picker channel of anautomated banking machine, the lock lever is operative to beautomatically moved away from its holding (or locking) position. Uponmovement of the lock lever, the lock lever engagement finger 286 isoperative to disengage from the actuator arm engagement finger 288.Then, when a low media condition is reached, the actuator arm is free tobe moved against the biasing force of its spring to assist in indicatinga low media condition.

Locking and unlocking of the spring loaded actuator arm can becontrolled by both the tambour door and by the cassette lid. The locklever can be moved (or tripped) to an unlocking position by the tambourdoor. A fully loaded cassette having the actuator arm locked can beinserted into a machine. Upon insertion of the cassette into the machinethe door can be opened. As the door is opened, it is operative to engageand move a flange 290 (or arm or portion or extension) of the lockinglever 270. For example, the lock lever flange 290 may be moved byengagement with a latch 292 (or catch) on or associated with the tambourdoor 272. As the door is moved opened, the latch is operative to engageand move the locking lever flange 290. Alternatively, an end of thetambour door itself may be operative to engage and move the lock leverflange. Movement of the lock lever flange 290 (in the direction of arrowA) is operative to cause the lock lever 270 to pivot about the shaft276. The pivoting action is operative to free (or release or unlock) theactuator arm from its locked condition. That is, the lock leverengagement finger 286 is operative to disengage from the actuator armengagement finger 288. The open tambour door 272 is operative tomaintain (or retain) the lock lever 270 in its unlocking position.

A cassette may need to be removed from an automated banking machine forseveral reasons, including replenishment. A cassette may be removed froma machine while an actuator arm is in an indicating position. Also, alow media condition may have been indicated, but before a replenishmentservice could be performed the cassette was emptied of media.Alternatively, a machine may be programmed to empty a cassette prior toreplenishment.

Prior to removal of an empty cassette, a media pusher plate may havemoved the trip pin past the last trip lever. Thus, the cassette actuatorarm, due to action of its return spring, would have returned to itsnon-indicating position. Upon cassette removal, the tambour door isoperative to move toward a closing position. With closing movement ofthe door the lock lever is no longer held by a door latch in anunlocking position. Thus, the lock lever, due to action of its spring,pivots back to a locking position and traps (or locks) the actuator armin its non-indicating position. That is, a lock lever finger isoperative to be moved to again lockingly engage an actuator arm finger.Hence, during cassette transport (or travel) from the machine to areplenishment work station the actuator arm can again be held in alocked (or secured) condition.

In another scenario a cassette may be removed from an automated bankingmachine with the actuator arm in an indicating position (e.g., with theactuator arm causing an indicating button to extend through a buttonhole). For example, the cassette may be removed subsequent to a lowmedia indication but prior to the trip pin passing the trip lever. Thecassette may still contain media (i.e., cassette not empty). Duringremoval of the partly filled cassette the tambour door would release thelock lever to return to its locking position. The lever finger wouldengage the backside (right side in FIG. 24) of the actuator finger. Theangled cam surfaces of the lever finger and the actuator finger may bein locked engaging relationship. The engagement may prevent the actuatorarm from sliding past the lock lever. For example, even with the pushplate withdrawn the engagement may be of greater force than that of theactuator arm return spring. Thus, the lever would operate to lock theactuator arm in its indicating position (in its leftmost slot positionin FIG. 24).

The actuator arm (whether locked in an indicating position or anon-indicating position) can be automatically released from its lockedposition upon opening of the cassette lid. With the cassette lid beingopened, a lid bearing member 294 is operative to permit movement of theshaft 276 in the direction of arrow B, as shown in FIG. 26. Movement ofthe shaft causes the lock lever 270 to pivot and unlock the actuator arm250. That is, opening of a cassette (e.g., a cassette with the tambourdoor closed and the cassette out of a machine) is operative to unlockthe actuator arm. Contrarily, closing of the cassette lid is operativeto move the shaft in an opposite direction to lock the actuator arm.

FIG. 24 shows the shaft in a lid open position. FIG. 25 shows the shaftin a lid closed position. FIG. 26 shows that the shaft is operative tobe moved from its lid closed position to its lid open position.

Having the actuator arm unlocked or free during servicing can bebeneficial. For example, a free actuator arm during opening of the lidcan ensure commonality of initial locking conditions; can permit testingof actuator arm movement and the actuator arm spring operation; mayassist in media reloading operations; and may assist in accessing andreplacement of cassette components.

With a lid in an open state, a cassette can be replenished or reloaded(loaded or filled). For example, a cassette may be loaded manually or byan automated loading machine. Upon closing the lid, the lock lever ismoved to lock the actuator arm in its non-indicating position. Areplenished cassette can be transported to an automated banking machine.

A lock lever can be automatically moved to lock an actuator armresponsive to the lid be closed at a work station or the tambour doorbeing closed in a machine. That is, the locking arrangement permits anactuator arm to be automatically locked for all transport. Thus, amedia-low indicator mechanism can be properly secured during transport.

As discussed in incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,085, informationregarding a media cassette can be indicated or signaled to an automatedbanking machine by using one or more indication buttons. An arrangementof buttons can be representative of a cassette and its content, such ascassette ownership, cassette serial number, and currency denomination.Information regarding a particular representative characteristic of acassette can be passed to an automated banking machine via physicalcontact between one or more buttons and a component of an automatedbanking machine. For example, a media-low condition may be indicated bycausing contact between a button and a component of an automated bankingmachine via movement of the contact button. Other cassette buttons maycome into contact with a component of an automated banking machine uponinsertion of the cassette into the machine.

In an exemplary embodiment discussed in more detail herein, a mediacassette may use other arrangements or techniques to indicate cassettecontent information to an automated banking machine. Unlikecommunication involving mechanical buttons for physical contact, theexemplary embodiment permits communication to occur without requiringphysical contact. For example, a cassette may use an indicator membersuch as a non-contact transponder to communicate with the automatedbanking machine. Radio frequency (e.g., radio waves) can be one mannerin which to communicate in a non-contact relationship, e.g.,communication not based on physical contact. Other types of remotecommunication may also be used.

A cassette may have one or more radio frequency identification (RFID)tags (or devices or indicator members) which contain data indicative orreflective of cassette content information. RFID tags can operate on theRS backscatter principle. Data communication may occur between the RFIDtags and an automated banking machine. Data communication may also occurbetween the RFID tags and a computer at a service center work station.

A canister or cassette may use non-contact RFID tags instead of or inaddition to information indication contact buttons. One or more tags maybe removably attached or mounted to a cassette (e.g., thereon ortherein). Alternatively, tags may be permanently affixed to a cassette,such as embedded in a (plastic) portion of a cassette.

RFID tags are operative to store information therein representative ofthe canister and its content, such as cassette ownership, cassetteserial number, and currency denomination. In an exemplary embodiment,tags can contain much more cassette-related data than can be representedby an indication button arrangement. For example, in the exemplaryembodiment, tags may contain information reflective of logging data(e.g., dates, media counters, handler's name or ID) and mediadescription (e.g., type, height, length, thickness). A tag may carry aunique cassette identification number of 32 bits or longer. The tags arealso capable of storing more information in a smaller space incomparison to a mechanical indication button arrangement.

RFID tags, unlike buttons, do not require contact (e.g., mechanical orelectrical contact) with a media dispenser component. Thus, thecontactless tags can prevent damage (wear and tear) thereto and/or tothe dispenser, and may further prevent possible jams associated withmechanical buttons.

RFID tags may have read-only or rewritable memory for storage ofcassette information. RFID tags may have a memory which can be changedor modified by service personnel. The tag memory may be programmable.For example, a service work station may have a device operative tocommunicate with an RFID tag to change and/or read the data containedtherein. A hand-held RFID tag communication device may also be used.

Alternatively, a tag may have unchangeable data. In such alternativesituations, a combination of read-only tags may need to be assigned orattached to a particular cassette to fully represent its informationcontent. A cassette may also have a combination of read-only andprogrammable tags.

Each media cassette in an automated banking machine can be equipped withan RFID tag. A reader device is operative to remotely read the tag data.The reader device may be associated with a dispenser feed channel. Thereader is operative to read tag data while the tag is in physicallycontactless relationship with the machine. Thus, a tag reader can bespaced from the tag. It follows that communication between a cassetteinformation tag and an ATM can occur without requiring physical contact,which would occur with the use of previously discussed buttons.

When a cassette having an RFID tag is inserted into a dispenser feedchannel of a machine, reader circuitry associated with the dispenserfeed channel can interrogate the tag to receive information about theparticular cassette. The reader circuitry may comprise a circuit cardassembly. In an exemplary embodiment, a tag may be of a type that doesnot need a power source (e.g., battery), but lives on the RF energyprovided by the reader. The information exchanged between an RFID tagand a reader may be encrypted to provide additional security. Thus, areader may comprise a decoder in decoding circuitry.

FIG. 27 shows a portion of a cassette 296 having an RFID tag 298. FIG.28 shows a portion of an alternative cassette 300 having an RFID tag 302in a location typically reserved for information indication contactbuttons. That is, the tag 302 is positioned at a button location.Alternatively, a modified cassette may have certain buttons replaced bythe tag. Buttons 304 are also shown. A button hole 306 which may beuseful for indication of a media-low condition is also shown. One ormore buttons 304 may be used to indicate to the machine that thecassette has an RFID tag. Machines may be operative to read both buttonsand RFID tags.

Contactless (and wireless) technology can also be used to indicate tothe automated banking machine the presence of a cassette, a properlypositioned cassette in a dispenser channel, and/or a media (e.g., money)low condition. A cassette latched condition may also be indicated. Thatis, buttons which are operative to indicate the latching position of acassette may also be replaced in using a contactless cassette.

In an exemplary embodiment the sensing of the position of a cassette maybe implemented by using one or more sensors. Although not limitedthereto, low cost, high accuracy Eddy current type distance sensors maybe used. A sensor can be part of a sensor circuit associated with adispenser feed channel. A target (e.g., a metal target such as Ferrite)or indicator member can be attached to or embedded into a cassette(which may comprise plastic). The sensor is operative to accuratelymeasure the distance between the indicator member (e.g., target) and thesensor (or another object). A cassette may be determined to be properlypositioned in a machine (or a work station) if the target is sensed tobe within a predetermined or acceptable range of the sensor. That is, acassette may be deemed properly positioned if it is determined to beclose enough to the sensor. A machine processor can determine from thesensor data whether the cassette is properly positioned. One or moretargets and/or sensors may be used. Likewise, a contactlesstarget/sensor arrangement can be used to determine if a cassette isproperly positioned in a work station. FIG. 28 further shows thecassette portion 300 having a target 308. It should be understood that acassette may have numerous locations at which a target may bepositioned.

A contactless sensor arrangement may also be used to determine a lowmedia condition in a cassette. The arrangement can be similar to anarrangement for sensing cassette position. A movable target (e.g.Ferrite) can be associated with a cassette instead of a button. A lowmedia sensor can be used to corresponding measure the distance betweenthe target and the sensor. One or more targets and/or sensors may beused. A target reaching a particular position can be indicative of lowmedia (e.g., money) remaining in the cassette. The accuracy requirementfor a low media sensor may be less than that for a cassette positionsensor. For example, a low media target may be closer when sensed (e.g.,may have been moved closer prior to sensing). Therefore, a low mediasensor arrangement may be capable of using a smaller moving target.Alternatively, a highly accurate sensor/target arrangement may be used,such as in attempting to determine the exact number of notes or billsremaining in a cassette.

A low media target may be mechanically moved progressively in responseto spring pressure or other mechanisms. For example, the target may beattached to or embedded in a push plate (e.g., currency follower plate)of a cassette. FIG. 29 shows a push plate 310 and a stack of media 312.The push plate has a target 314. Alternatively, a target may be firstmoved in correspondence with a cassette reaching a low media condition.A sensor could be operative to detect the movement of the target.Furthermore, a target may first become detectable only after a cassettehas reached a low media condition. For example, a target could beshielded from detection at an acceptable media condition. Later thetarget could become unshielded at the low media condition. Of courseother sensor/target arrangements and/or devices may be used, such as arange finder (e.g., laser range finder). A global positioning system(GPS) or component thereof may also be used.

As previously discussed, an RFID tag may include data representative ofa cassette and its content. For example, an RFID tag may include datareflective of currency code, currency denomination, and the uniqueserial number of the cassette.

In an exemplary embodiment, an automated banking machine can beoperative to read an RFID tag to obtain the initial or current amount ofcurrency in a cassette. The machine may also be operative to keep arunning count of the currency currently in a cassette. This may beaccomplished by keeping a record of the number of bills initially in acassette minus the bills removed from the cassette.

An automated banking machine can be operatively connected to othermachines on a network (e.g., an ATM banking network, which may includethe Internet). In an exemplary embodiment the network can trackinformation (e.g., currency data) related to a particular cassette byrecognizing its unique serial number. It follows that the network canascertain information (e.g., currency data) related to a particularmachine. It further follows that the network can ascertain information(e.g., currency data) related to each machine in the network. Thenetwork information (e.g., currency data) can be updated periodically orcontinuously. For example, the network information can be in real time.

The network may include one or more computers. An automated bankingmachine may have at least one computer. The network may includes a hostwhich can communicate with each machine. The communication may involvethe Internet and/or a proprietary network.

The tracking ability enables a customer (e.g., a host bank) to know theexact amount of currency (e.g., amount, value, types, etc.) circulatingwithin their ATM banking system or network. The arrangement enables anetwork operator to provide better cash management. Machine currencyamounts can be adjusted accordingly, e.g., currency can be added orremoved from the system. Currency of a particular denomination can beordered. Thus, cash management, cash replenishment control, and bankingnetwork efficiency can be enhanced.

The ability to track individual cassettes via their serial numberpermits improved network efficiency. For example, problem cassettes canbe identified. A particular cassette may be linked or associated with acertain number of failures. These failures may have involved differentmachines. That is, the same cassette can be linked to failures invarious machines. Tracking of the particular cassette enables it to beidentified for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

An RFID tag may also include trackable data. For example, certain datamay be reflective of the entity (person or persons) responsible forhandling a cassette, including the entity who loaded the cassette. Thus,particular cassettes can be linked to particular entities. Thus, theability to track individual cassettes in a banking network can enablesecurity to be improved.

RFID tags can be operative to read, log (store), and report the cassettedata. All actions associated with a cassette can be logged into an RFIDtag. For example, RFID tags may be used in providing trackableinformation relating to cassette serial number, cassette ownership,currency nationality, currency denomination, currency length, currencyheight, currency thickness, loaded currency amount, times, dates,handler ID, machine serial number, cassette age, repair records, etc.

The use of RF can eliminate mechanical contact between cassettes anddispenser feed channels. Of course the use of radio frequency is oneexample of non-contacting remote communication. It should be understoodthat other types of non-contacting information communication may be usedinstead of (or in additional to) radio frequency or radio waves.

A cassette may also have an electronic lock. For example, a cassette mayhave an electronic keypad lock. The electronic keypad lock may replace(or be in addition to) a key lock. Each unique cassette can have adifferent access code or combination. The code of an electronic lockcassette can be changed.

An electronic lock cassette can be equipped with a battery pack. Thebattery pack can be charged in a non-contacting manner. For example, thecassette can have an inductive charging port associated with thebattery. The battery can be recharged via the inductive charging port.

A locking arrangement can include a locking latch, such as a bar orlever. A latch bar can be movable between a locking position and anon-locking position. A latch bar in a locking position can prevent thecassette from being opened. An electronic lock cassette can use a drivedevice to operate the latch bar. For example, a solenoid or motor can beused to drive the locking latch bar. The drive device can operate off ofa battery.

An electronic programmable keypad can be used with an electronic lock ofa cassette. The keypad can be programmed to receive multiple cassetteaccess codes. That is, more than one access code or combination may beable to unlock the cassette. Additionally, plural access codes may needto be entered to unlock a cassette. For example, a user ID followed by apassword may be needed for gaining entry to the interior of a cassette.Furthermore, codes or IDs entered into a keypad can be recorded (e.g.,stored in a memory) by the electronic lock. Dates and times of access(or attempted access) can also be recorded. Thus, an audit trail ofcassette access can be recorded.

After a key code is entered (or a sequence of codes) then the cassettecan be unlocked. A solenoid or motor can be engaged or driven by abattery. The solenoid can operate to move a latch bar from a lockingposition to an open position. The cassette can then be opened, such asby opening the cassette lid or cover. The opening, loading, and closingof a cassette can be performed manually. In alternative handlingarrangements the functions of opening, loading, and closing of acassette may be performed by a cassette handling machine.

An electronic locking arrangement can increase security in comparison tomechanical key locks. The use of tangible keys can be eliminated. Eachcassette can have a different access code. Thus, loss of a single codewould not endanger other cassettes. Furthermore, the access code of acassette can be changed. For example, a cassette may have its accesscode changed upon each entry therein. An electronic lock may also bearranged to prevent closure of a cassette until its access code ischanged.

Upon closing a cassette cover or lid, the cover may be automaticallylocked. Mechanical arrangements for automatically locking a latch barmay be used. For example, a latch bar may be spring actuated so thatclosure of the cover returns the latch bar to a locking position.Alternatively, the latch bar may be driven to a locking position by adrive device. A cassette may also have a visual indicator (e.g., LEDdisplay) denoting locked and unlocked conditions. Alternatively, acontactless sensor arrangement (as previously discussed) may be used tosense whether a cassette latch bar is in (or has been moved to) alocking position.

FIG. 30 shows a rear portion of a cassette 316. The cassette has an RFIDarea 318, an indication contact button area 320, and an inductivecharging port 322. A picker/note engagement area 324 is also shown. Ofcourse other arrangements may be used. For example, the port locationand the RFID location may be switched.

FIG. 31 shows a closed cassette 326 with a programmable keypad area 328on a top portion thereof. The keypad area includes buttons 330 and LEDs332. The LEDs (i.e., light emitting diodes) can be operative to signalwhich button or buttons have been pushed or keyed. Of course, inputdevices other than push buttons may be used. For example, an inputdevice may be operative to sense touch. The keypad is operative toreceive an access code to open the cassette.

FIG. 32 shows a cassette portion 334 with a battery pack 336, solenoid338, and a latch bar 340 in operative connection. A keypad area can beexternally located adjacent (e.g., above or sideways of) the solenoidand/or battery pack. The solenoid can be initiated by the keypad todrive the latch bar. A processor may also be operatively connected withthe keypad and battery. The latch bar may be of a conventionalconfiguration.

FIG. 33 shows a cassette 342 with programmable locking buttons 344 andadjacent LEDs 346. The buttons are shown as spaced or separated, axiallyextending, and of similar cylindrical shape. Each button has acorresponding LED located there beneath. The LEDs are shown as spacedand of similar circular shape. Each of the buttons can be identical.Likewise, each of the LEDs can be identical. The buttons and LEDs extendfrom a common surface. Although four buttons and four LEDs are shown, itshould be understood that a cassette may have greater or fewer numbersthereof.

FIG. 34 also shows a cassette 348 with programmable locking buttons 350and adjacent LEDs 352. The buttons are shown as dissimilar and closelyarranged to an adjacent button. Each button forms part of a segmentedoval. The LEDs are shown as spaced, and of similar elongated shape. Thebuttons and LEDs may extend from, be flush with, or be recessed into acassette surface. Each LED may also be positioned on adjacent cassettesurfaces. For example, a first portion of an elongated LED may axiallyextend generally perpendicular to a second portion thereof. Thus, an LEDmay be visible from two different directions, e.g., top and side views.

FIG. 35 shows a cassette 354 with programmable locking buttons 356 andadjacent LEDs 358. The buttons form a rectangular area with the ends inthe elongated direction rounded. In comparison to FIG. 34, the LEDs areshorter in the elongated direction (e.g., have less length) but have agreater width (e.g., larger thickness). The button/LED arrangements ofFIGS. 34 and 35 are also positioned at different cassette locations.

FIGS. 36, 37, and 38 show different work station tray (or base)arrangements operative to receive a cassette. A tray can permit servicepersonnel to communicate with a cassette. The communication may beremote. An RFID tag may also be programmed while a cassette is in atray.

FIG. 39 shows a work station area 360. A work station can include one ormore computers and memory storage devices. Cassettes can be serviced ata work station. For example, a cassette can be replenished or havemaintenance performed thereon at a work station. An RFID tag of acassette can also be modified or read at a work station. A keyboard anda display can be used to communicate information between servicepersonnel and an RFID tag. The serial number of a cassette can be read.Information directed to the history of a particular cassette may bedisplayed. FIG. 39 also shows a work station 370 having a keyboard 362,display screen 364, camera 366, storage area 368, and a cassette 372.The work station area 360 also has another work station 374.

A cassette may be opened at a work station tray. In an alternativeembodiment, a tray is operative to remotely communicate with a cassetteto unlock the cassette. For example, as an additional layer of security,a cassette may be without an external keypad thereon. Programmablelocking buttons can be arranged on the tray. The buttons can be operatedto receive an access code to open a cassette. The access code can beoperative to trip a solenoid to drive the latch bar to an unlockingposition. A tray can also have an LCD panel for displaying cassettecontent information or information relating to an access code.

FIG. 36 shows a tray 376 in which a cassette 378 may be lowered therein,as demonstrated by the arrow. A cassette in a tray may be partlysurrounded on four sides. A cassette maybe locked or latched into atray. FIG. 36 also shows programmable locking buttons 380, an LCD panel382, and a system port line 384. Alternatively, a base tray may be usedin the field (i.e., at an ATM) to service a cassette, instead of at awork station.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show alternative arrangements in which a cassette may beslid into a tray, as demonstrated by the arrows. A cassette in a traymay be partly surrounded on three sides. FIG. 37 shows a cassette 386, atray 388, and a programmable locking buttons and LED panel 390. FIG. 38shows a cassette 392, a base 394 having a lid back rest 396, and alocking latch 398.

As previously discussed, media (e.g., currency, coupons, etc.) which isto be inserted into a cassette can vary in dimensions. For example, thelength, width, and height of currency notes may vary from one country toanother. The sizes of different denomination currency notes may alsovary within the same country. However, media needs to be properlyarranged within a cassette so that it can be properly removed by apicker mechanism. The size (e.g., height) of a particular type of mediamay limit its use to a particular sized cassette. Thus, different sizedmedia may require corresponding different sized cassettes. It followsthat a large number of different cassette configurations may be needed.

An exemplary embodiment is directed to a cassette that can be used withdifferent types and sizes of media. The total number of cassetteconfigurations can be reduced. Thus, costs can be reduced, parts countcan be reduced, and reliability can be improved.

A single cassette of the exemplary embodiment can have differentconfigurations. The cassette can be adjustable to contain differentsized media. The cassette can have a rail system. The rail system canhave one or more adjacent rails. For example, generally parallel railsmay be spaced from each other in a direction generally perpendicular totheir axes. The rail system can be adjustable. For example, the heightof a rail may be adjustable. That is, a rail may be adjustable in thevertical direction. Hence, the same cassette can be adjusted to holdcurrency of a first height and currency of a second height.

FIG. 40 shows a portion of a cassette lid 400 having a rail system. Arail system can be operatively connected to a cassette lid. FIG. 40shows a rail system 402 having two rail assemblies 404, 406. However, itshould be understood that greater or fewer number of rail assemblies maybe used with a cassette. A rail system can be operative to guide, align,direct, engage, position, secure, and/or support media in a cassette.For example, a rail system can be used to prevent media in a stack ofmedia in a cassette from becoming substantially vertically unaligned.That is, a rail system can be used to maintain cassette media in properposition.

A rail assembly can include a rail, cap, and/or spacer. For example, arail assembly may have only a rail. Another rail assembly may have arail and a cap (e.g., cover). A further rail assembly may have a railand a spacer (or spacers) and a cap.

A cap is operative or adapted to be arranged adjacent a rail. A cap canbe operatively connected to a rail. A cap can be removably connected toa rail. A cap can be used to extend the (vertically downward) height ordistance of a rail assembly. A cap can be arranged to engage the top ofmedia in a cassette. Of course a gap may be left between the media andthe cap for play and/or to allow the media to slide (e.g., due to apusher plate) relative to the cap.

A spacer is operative to be arranged adjacent a rail. A spacer isoperative or adapted to be arranged intermediate or between a rail and acap. A spacer can be operatively connected to both a rail and a cap. Aspacer can be removably connected to a rail, or to a cap, or to both arail and a cap. One or more spacers can be used to extend the (vertical)height of a rail assembly. That is, a rail assembly may have a pluralityof spacers removably arranged intermediate a rail and a cap.

A rail can be integrally connected (e.g., fastened or of one-piece) to acassette lid. A rail may be removably connected to a lid enabling theusage of different sized rails with the same lid. Thus, a rail assemblycan be removably connected to a cassette lid.

With a cassette lid in a closed position, a rail assembly may bearranged to engage or abut media in the cassette. For example, acassette currency note securement arrangement may have a cassette floorportion, currency notes engaging (e.g., resting on) the floor portion, acap adapted to limit vertical movement of the notes, a spacer connectedto the cap, a rail connected to the spacer, and the rail connected tothe cassette lid. Of course, a rail assembly may be arranged in othernote positioning configurations or combinations. For example, a notesecurement arrangement may have currency notes resting on a railassembly.

Respective rails, caps, and spacers can be of different types,materials, shapes, and dimensions. Thus, a large assortment of differentrail systems can be arranged in a sole cassette. For example, a rail anda cap may each have a generally U-shaped body with a substantially flatspacer therebetween. Furthermore, a rail/spacer/cap relationship of afirst assembly may have a thickness different from a rail/spacer/caprelationship of a second assembly.

FIG. 40 also shows (and in broken lines the outline of) the railassembly 404 having rail 408, spacer 410, and cap 412. FIG. 40 furthershows (and in broken lines the outline of) the rail assembly 406 havingrail 408 and cap 412. It should be understood that with equal rail andcap height, then the rail assembly 404 would be adapted to protrudetoward a media stack a greater distance than the rail assembly 406.

FIG. 41 shows a rail 414, spacer 416, and cap 418 which can be removablyfastened together to comprise a rail assembly. FIG. 42 shows that therail 414 and cap 418 can also be removably fastened together to compriseanother rail assembly.

A rail assembly may be secured together by a fastener or connector. Thefastener may be removable. FIGS. 43 and 44 each show views from theunderside of rails. That is, the side of the rail nearest the cassettelid. FIG. 43 shows a fastener 420 adapted to removably secure togetherrail assembly components (e.g., rail, spacer, and cap). FIG. 44 likewiseshows a fastener 422. In FIG. 43 the broken lines represent a rail 424,spacer 426, and cap 428. In FIG. 44 the broken lines represent a rail430 and a cap 432. Any type of fastener operative to removably connectrail assembly components can be used.

It should also be understood that rail assembly components (e.g., rail,spacer, and cap) may also have corresponding tongue and grooveengagements for additional fastening and/or stability. A connectionbetween two rail assembly components may be similar to a LEGO® blocktype of connection. For example, a spacer may have one or more tongues(or projections) on one side and one or more grooves (or slots) on theopposite side. The tongues of a first spacer could be aligned with thegrooves of a second spacer to enable fastening engagement therebetween.Other manners of attachment, connection, or fastening may also be used.

In an exemplary embodiment a fastener may comprise resilient or flexibletabs or fingers (e.g., cantilever tabs). The fastener can be adapted toextend through aligned apertures (or holes or openings) in rail assemblycomponents. The cantilever tabs can snap or expand outwardly intolocking relation with the underside of a rail. A fastener may also havea head at an opposite end. The head may be adapted for tool engagement.The head may have a groove or projection to assist in fastener insertionand/or removal. When the fastener is in operative securing or lockingposition, the head can be flush with or recessed from the surface of acap.

FIG. 43 shows the fastener 420 with tabs 434 and a head (outline) 438.FIG. 44 shows the fastener 422 with tabs 436 and a head (outline) 440.The engagement arrangement of FIG. 43 has a head to tabs distance longerthan that of FIG. 44. This is because the combined thickness of therail, spacer, and cap of FIG. 43 is greater than the combined thicknessof the rail and cap of FIG. 44.

In alternative embodiments a cap may be biased (such as by a spring)toward engagement with a media stack. For example, a spring loaded capmay be in continuous supporting engagement with media.

The ability to create different rail assembly configurations enables theuse of a standard or common or universal sized cassette for varioussized media stacks. Thus, a universal cassette can be adjusted to fitvarious sized media. A cassette may be operative to act in a “one sizefits all” manner. The same cassette can be reconfigured to hold currencyof different sizes.

FIGS. 45–56 show examples of different rail assembly configurations fora universal cassette. The distance between the cassette floor and thecassette lid is the same (i.e., the distance “H”) in each of the FIGS.45–56. A cassette rail system can be configured or adjusted tocorrespond to media of different heights.

FIG. 45 shows a cassette floor 442, media 444, a rail 446, and acassette lid 448. The rail assembly comprises only a rail.

FIG. 46 shows the cassette floor 442, media 450, a rail 452, and thecassette lid 448. The media 450 of FIG. 46 has a height M2 which is lessthan the height M1 of the media 444 of FIG. 45. Correspondingly, therail 452 of FIG. 46 has a height R2 which is greater than the height R1of the rail 446 of FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 shows the cassette floor 442, media 454, a rail 456, a cap 458,and the cassette lid 448. In FIG. 47 the media is of a height M3 whichis less than the height M2 of the media 450 of FIG. 46. The rail 456 ofFIG. 47 has a height R3 which is greater than the height R2 of the rail452 of FIG. 46. Thus, the cap 458 can be used in the rail assembly ofFIG. 47.

The media height M12 of FIG. 56 is less the media height M11 of FIG. 55which is less than the media height M10 of FIG. 54. Thus, the railassembly of FIG. 55 can have a cap 460. Likewise, the rail assembly ofFIG. 56 can have both a spacer 462 and a cap 464. The other Figures showadditional rail assembly arrangements with the universal cassette.

Of course either the same height rail or rails of differing heights maybe used in FIGS. 54–56. Likewise, the same height cap may be used inFIGS. 55–56 or caps of differing heights may be used. That is, theheights of rails, spacers, and caps (and cassette lids) can vary. A railassembly can be configured responsive to or dependent on the height ofmedia which is to be inserted into the cassette. Of course otheruniversal cassettes can have other lid and floor arrangements. Forexample, other cassettes may have lids and floors of different sizes andspacings (e.g., heights).

Sometimes a cassette may be overloaded with media. That is, too muchmedia was inserted into a cassette. A media overloaded cassette can leadto problems. For example, note jams, double notes, picking malfunctions,and cassette component wear may be associated with an overloadedcassette.

An exemplary embodiment prevents or reduces the use of a mediaoverloaded (or overstuffed) cassette. In the exemplary embodiment acassette lid can be prevented from closing if the cassette is overloadedwith media.

A member or arm is adapted to be positioned in a cassette adjacent to amedia stack. The arm may be resilient. The arm can be operative to bendor flex or tilt responsive to a force caused by the media stack of anoverloaded cassette. That is, the arm can be operative to flexresponsive to an overloaded media stack. For example, the arm can bendaway from the stack.

The arm may be a separate component attached to the cassette.Alternatively, the arm may be attached to or integral (e.g., ofone-piece) with a cassette component, such as a media stack push plate.The arm may be a push plate.

A push plate can have a resilient arm or portion extending from a baseof the plate. That is, the plate can have a (lower) base portion thicket(and stronger) than an upper (tip) portion as taken in a cross-sectionview thereof. For example, a push plate taken in cross-section can havea pyramidal shape. Of course other shapes may also be used. The base canbe secured in the cassette to resist movement by an overloaded mediastack. However, the upper portion (e.g., resilient arm) can be operativeto flex due to an overloaded media stack. A pusher plate component(e.g., a pusher plate tip) can flex away from the overloaded media dueto the media pressing there against.

A cassette lid can have a rib (engagement portion, projection, tab,ledge, or catch) attached thereto or integral (e.g., of one-piece)therewith. The lid rib can be adapted to engage (or abut) a resilientarm when the arm is in a flexed (and engageable) position or condition.The engagement can prevent the lid from proceeding toward a closedposition. Thus, the engagement can prevent the lid from being closed.With the lid prevented from closure, the individual loading or handlingthe cassette can access the situation and remove excess media. Thearrangement can provide overstuff prevention or protection. With the armin a non-flexed condition, the lid is operative to be closed.

FIG. 57 shows a media overload prevention arrangement 488 for acassette. The arrangement includes a cassette 490, cassette lid 492,push plate base 494 and flexible arm portion 496, and lid rib 498. Thearm portion 496 is shown in a flex condition operative to cause engagingcontact with the rib 498. Thus, the lid 492 is prevented from closing.

In an alternative cassette overstuff protection arrangement, the contactof a rib with a flexed arm can cause generation of an output signal. Forexample, the contact can trip an electrical switch. An LED on thecassette or another type of output can be used to indicate to a loaderan overloaded condition. In a further alternative arrangement thebending of the flex arm can be detected to cause generation of an outputsignal. For example, stress may be measurable in the arm. At apredetermined stress level an LED may be operated. The tripping of anLED may also cause information relating to the overloading (e.g., aloader's identification) to be stored in memory, such as in cassettememory.

An exemplary embodiment is directed to increasing security for mediacassettes, such as currency cassettes in an automated banking machine. Asecurity system may use biometric features in granting access to thecurrency cassettes.

In an exemplary embodiment, authorization and/or identification of anindividual attempting to service an automated banking machine may bedetermined based on the individual's appearance and/or voicecharacteristics and/or other biometric information and/or cardinformation. Hence, biometric features may be used to identify theindividual. The use of biometric features may be accomplished in themanner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,688, the disclosure of which isfully incorporated herein by reference. For example, a security systemmay be configured to identify a user by a biometric input such as facialrecognition, thumbprint, iris scan, voice (speech) recognition, or othercharacteristics or combinations thereof.

A security system may use facial recognition software in combinationwith a camera. The camera can be mounted to an ATM. The camera may alsobe used for customers using the ATM for transactions, or the camera maybe separate therefrom. The camera can be an internally mounted USB videocamera. The camera can be used to capture an image (e.g., digital image)of an individual (or entity) attempting to service or replenish themachine.

An ATM can have a locally held database of individuals or access to anetwork accessed database of individuals. The individuals in thedatabase are authorized to be granted access to a security container (orarea) of the machine. The security container can have the currencycassettes located therein. Facial recognition software can be used todetermine or check (e.g., verify or confirm or deny) whether anindividual exists in an authorized database. A processor can operate thesoftware to compare a captured image to images in a database. Thecaptured image may be represented by data corresponding thereto.Likewise, the database may include data representative of images. Thus,a comparison may include comparing data which corresponds to images. Thesoftware may be operated locally or through the network. That is, thecomparison may be carried out locally or at a remote location.

Access to the security container may be controlled by a lock controldevice. The lock control device can be operatively connected with thefacial recognition software. The lock control device can be changed toopen the security container under different scenarios. For example, ifan individual is positively identified by the facial recognitionsoftware, then the lock control device may permit direct access to(e.g., unlock or open) the security container.

Additionally, an ATM may have a dual combination lock (e.g., anelectronic lock) associated with the security container. The lockcontrol device may be arranged or programmed to receive two correctcombinations or codes in order for the dual combination electronic lockto be placed in an unlocked condition. If an individual is positivelyidentified the facial recognition software, then the lock control devicemay be arranged to automatically bypass the need for one of the twocombinations. That is, a recognized individual may only need to enteronly one combination. In such a scenario the servicing individual wouldstill need to enter the second combination in order to gain access tothe security container. Nevertheless, such an access arrangement mayfacilitate or quicken access to a secure area. Thus, the time necessaryto replenish an ATM may be reduced.

In addition, a facial image of the service personnel can be recorded andstored in a database by the software application. Other data, such asthe time and date of the granted access, may also be stored along withthe facial image. The facial image may also be uploaded to a centralizeddatabase for centralized storage. A centralized processor may performauditing functions using the approved facial image. For example, anauthorized database may be updated with the approved facial image. Thatis, the approved new facial image may be used to replace an outdatedfacial image.

The serial number of a particular cassette may also be recorded andstored in the database along with the facial image of the individualhaving access to (or servicing) the particular cassette. Likewise, eachcassette may have associated therewith a memory data file. A cassettedata file may also include the serial number, the facial image data ofindividuals who were granted access thereto, and the dates and times.

The ability to capture image data of an individual servicing aparticular cassette, and the ability to store the image data incorrelated relation with other information (e.g., cassette serialnumber) can further facilitate cassette tracking and minimize fraud. Thearrangement permits cradle to grave tracking of a cassette regardingaccess thereto. The information relating to cassette access can becombined with additional security tracking information (e.g., aspreviously discussed) regarding a particular cassette. The ability totrack and use information for particular cassettes may be accomplishedin the manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,522, the disclosure ofwhich is fully incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, a systemfor image capture and delivery functions may be of the type disclosed inU.S. application Ser. No. 09/991,748 filed Nov. 23, 2001, the disclosureof which is fully incorporated herein by reference. The system mayinclude a Diebold AccuTrack™ digital video arrangement which iscommercially available from Diebold, Incorporated, the assignee of thepresent invention.

Furthermore, with an ATM having a dual combination electronic lock, aperson not entered in an authorized database can be required to enterboth combinations to gain access. A record of such access byunauthorized persons can also be made. The record may include an imageof the person along with the time and date, and the unrecognizedcombination.

A security system can be arranged so that only a small population ofapproved and registered service personnel can gain immediate access to asecurity container of an ATM. To further increase security,facially-recognized personnel may be required to also enter a correctcombination to gain security container access. To increase security evenfurther, facially-recognized personnel may be required to also correctlyenter plural combinations to gain access to a security container. Otherbiometric features may also be required prior to granting access.

Other access arrangements may also be used. For example, requiringservice personnel to provide a combination also allows the servicepersonnel the opportunity to signal a silent alarm. The alarm may betripped upon entry of a predetermined combination code or alarmpassword. Of course, a non-combination trip device may also be used.

Also, if the facial recognition software does not recognize anindividual attempting to gain access to an automated banking machine(and/or an improper combination is entered), then a silent alarm couldbe tripped. The facial image of the non-recognized individual may alsobe stored in a database along with the date and time.

The security arrangement can also provide the ability to track access toa security container. For example, the individual granted access, alongwith the time and date, can be stored in a data file for futurereference. Of course other data may also be stored in the data file,such as the amount of time that the individual had the securitycontainer open.

Alternative security systems may use facial recognition (and/or otherbiometric related) software for other applications. For example, asecurity system may be arranged for a cassette work station. Forexample, the camera 366 at the work station 370 of FIG. 39 may be usedin capturing a digital image of an individual attempting to service orreplenish a currency cassette. The image can be compared to anauthorized database (as previously discussed) in determining whether theindividual should be permitted access to the cassette interior.

In an exemplary embodiment a media dispenser (or some other component)of an automated banking machine may include a reject bin. The reject binmay comprise a specialized cassette or canister. The specializedcassette is operative to receive and store therein both diverted andretracted media. Diverted media (e.g., currency or notes or bills) canbe that which was determined to have some type of problem (e.g., anunacceptable media condition) by the automated banking machine and isnot to be presented to a customer (e.g., unpresentable media). Retractedmedia can be that which was presented to a customer of the automatedbanking machine but for some reason was not taken by the customer.

The specialized cassette (which may be referred herein as a rejectcassette or a divert/retract cassette or a divert cassette) can havemore than one compartment for media storage. The compartments can beseparated by one or more partitions. Thus, diverted notes can be storedseparately from retracted notes. A divert cassette can be inserted intoan automated banking machine (e.g., ATM) in an empty condition. (e.g.,the compartments devoid of media).

Both diverted notes and the retracted notes can enter a divert cassettethrough a common media receiving opening of the divert cassette. Apartition (e.g., compartment guide) can be operative to direct or guidemedia (e.g., notes) to different respective compartments (e.g., mediastorage areas) as the media enters the divert cassette. A partition canbe actuated by a lever or cam associated with the divert cassette.Movement of a partition can be controlled by a machine controller, suchas an ATM computer. The machine controller can be operative to keep arecord of the notes placed in each compartment. The machine controllercan also be operative to correlate retracted notes to a specific useraccount. Other information (e.g., date and time) concerning storage ofnotes in a divert cassette can also be stored by the machine controllerin memory.

In an exemplary embodiment a divert cassette has two compartments orstorage areas separated by a partition. In a first position (e.g.,closed position) of the partition, the divert cassette is operative toreceive diverted currency notes. For example, a diverted note may havebeen unidentifiable or detected as a double bill. The machine isoperative to store diverted notes in a divert storage area of thedivert/retract cassette.

In a second position (e.g., open position) of the partition, the divertcassette is operative to receive retracted currency notes. For example,a note or stack of notes presented to a customer may be retracted by themachine after a predetermined time period. The machine is operative tostore retracted notes in a retract storage area of the divert/retractcassette. Thus, a divert/retract cassette can have dual note storageareas separated by a movable partition.

The separation of note storage areas prevents the mixing of retractedand diverted notes. The note separating arrangement of a divert cassetteallows for enhanced reconciling of notes in daily transactions. Forexample, an allegation by an ATM user as not having received notesduring a transaction can be confirmed or denied by reviewing the notesheld in the retract storage area. The comparison can be accomplishedwith a reduction in note handling, e.g., without involving divertednotes. Thus, the resolving of transaction discrepancies can besimplified. The separation of notes can also be used in detecting amalfunctioning machine or component thereof.

A partition can be moved between open and closed positions by movementof a lever (or cam). The lever can be operatively connected to a drivelink which in turn is operatively connected to the partition. The levercan be actuated by a drive mechanism in a dispenser of a machine. Thedrive mechanism can be operative to engage and move the lever tocorrespondingly move the partition. A conventional drive mechanism canbe used for driving a lever. For example, a drive mechanism may includea drive motor or cylinder or solenoid. In a partition drive arrangementa motor may cause a lever to pivot or rotate which results in movementof the partition. In another partition drive arrangement a cylinder maycause a cam to move in a sliding direction (e.g., axially orhorizontally) which also results in movement of the partition. A machinecontroller can be operative to operate a drive mechanism to move thelever or cam. Thus, a machine controller can be operative to controlmovement of a partition to keep diverted and retracted notes separatedfrom each other in the same storage container or device.

A separator, such as a plate or sheet (which may be flexible), may alsobe used to separate note storage areas or compartments. The separatorcan be fixed or movable. The partition may include the separator. Aseparator may be attached to the partition. The separator may beflexible and/or retractable. For example, a partition component may beable to pivot relative to a separator. Also, a partition portion may beable to slide relative to a separator and be guided by the separator. Apartition can have a separator attached thereto or integral (e.g., ofone-piece) therewith.

A separator can be generally horizontally positioned at a vertical levelto vertically separate upper and lower compartments. The divertcompartment can be an upper compartment (e.g., above the separator) andthe retract compartment can be a lower compartment (e.g., below theseparator). Of course the divert and retract compartments may beswitched. Additionally, compartments may have guides to assist inguiding, directing, positioning, and/or maintaining media placedtherein.

An alternative arrangement may have a separator arranged in a generallyvertical position to horizontally separate adjacent compartments (e.g.,front and rear compartments). Adjacent compartments may also be offsetby different angles. It should also be understood that a divert cassettecan have a divert storage area and a retract storage area of differentsizes. For example, a retract storage area may be of a larger size thana divert storage area in order to receive retracted stacks of notes (incomparison to individual notes which may be placed in a divert storagearea).

FIG. 58 shows a divert cassette 500 with a partition 502 in a closedposition. A partition lever 504 is also shown in a closed (e.g.,horizontal) position. The partition lever can be on an outboard drivelink side of the divert cassette. Diverted notes can be stored in adivert storage area 506. The partition 502 includes a compartmentseparator 508, arms 512, flexible guide 526, and bridge 528. The armsare integral with the bridge 528. A first end of the guide is pivotallyconnected to the arms adjacent the bridge. A second end of the guide isslidably attached to the separator. The separator has one or more slots530 which permit tabs 532 of guide 526 to slide relative thereto inengaging relationship.

FIG. 59 shows the divert cassette 500 with the partition 502 in an openposition. Retracted notes can be stored in a retract storage area 510.The partition lever 504 is shown in its open (e.g., vertical) position.

The lever and a partition arm are connected or linked together about acommon axis, such as the axis of an elongated connecting member (e.g.,rod or shaft). For example, a common shaft can connect the lever to apartition arm 512. Alternatively, the lever may be integral with an arm.Pivotable rotation of the lever 504 about its axis is operative toaxially rotate the arm (connected to the lever). The arms are connectedvia the bridge. The partition guide is connected to the bridge. Thus,pivotable rotation of the lever is operative to pivot the partition 502between open and closed positions.

The partition arms can be of a shape (e.g., generally triangular) whichassists in support of the partition in both open and closed positions.For example, an arm may have a first edge 516 on one engaging sidethereof and a second edge 518 on an opposite engaging side thereof. Thearm edges may be arranged to engage a portion (or component) of thecassette to assist in supporting the partition in a respective open orclosed position.

The partition bridge 528 has comblike teeth (or forks) 520 which areoperative to engage a cassette wall 522 adjacent the media receivingopening of the cassette. The cassette wall has grooves (or slots) 524which are adapted to receive the teeth in engaging relationship. Theslots can guide the teeth (and thus the partition bridge) into a properopen position. The teeth/groove arrangement can be operative to providealignment-or support or stability to the partition bridge when thepartition is in the open position. The partition bridge 528 also hasteeth (or projections) 534 which are adapted to engage a cassette wallportion when the partition is in a closed position. The projections 534can likewise provide alignment or support or stability to the partitionbridge when the partition is in the closed position.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 58 and 59 the partition separator 508 isfixed. Partition arms 512 are operative to pivot about an axis 514(which can be the same axis on which the lever pivots) to move thepartition toward an open position. Movement of the partition bridgetoward an open position causes the partition guide to flex. The guidetab moves in the separator slot to permit the guide to slide (in adirection away from the media receiving opening) underneath theseparator. For reasons of clarity the separator is not shown in FIG. 59.However, note FIG. 63.

The lever 504 can be driven to pivot. Pivoting of the lever causespivoting of the partition arms and the bridge. Pivoting of the bridgecauses the partition to move from a closed position (FIG. 58) to an openposition (FIG. 59). Contrarily, the lever can also be pivoted to causepivoting of the partition from the open position (i.e., retracted mediareceiving position) to the closed position (i.e., diverted mediareceiving position).

In an exemplary operation an automated banking machine (e.g, an ATM) hasat least one divert cassette therein. The divert cassette includes dualstorage compartments. The divert cassette includes a diverted currencystorage area and a retracted currency storage area. The machine isoperative to perform a financial transaction for a customer. Forexample, the machine may perform a cash withdrawal transaction. Themachine can determine whether currency has an acceptable or anunacceptable currency condition. The determination may include aconventional currency bill sensor or reader (e.g., double bill sensor,dirty bill sensor, counterfeit bill sensor, torn bill sensor, unreadablebill sensor, currency validator and/or counterfeit detector, or acombination thereof). Unacceptable currency can be diverted andtransported for storage in the diverted media storage area of the divertcassette. Acceptable currency can be transported through the machine andpresented to a customer (e.g., the customer requesting the cashwithdrawal transaction) at a customer accessible currency outlet.However, the machine is operative to retract any remaining currencypreviously presented to a customer after a predetermined time period.The machine is operative to transport the retracted currency for storagein the retracted currency storage area of the divert cassette.

Of course, it should be understood that other partition and/or leverdrive arrangements may be used. For example, a partition may beoperatively connected or linked to a slidable drive cam. A drivearrangement may operate to slide the cam to cause corresponding movement(e.g., pivoting) of the partition. Thus, other drive arrangements, suchas a sliding drive arrangement, may be used for moving a partition.Additionally, electrical, magnetic, screw, and mechanical actuationarrangements (or combinations thereof) for driving a partition may alsobe used.

A machine (e.g., ATM) controller may also be able to determine when acompartment of a divert cassette is full or needs servicing. A divertcassette may have a media-high indicator which is operative to beactuated when the media reaches a predetermined level. A media-highindicator may operate on the principles similar to those of a media-lowindicator, which have been previously discussed. A divert cassette mayhave a media-high indicator for each storage compartment. A machine canbe operative to read an actuated or tripped media-high indicator. Upondetermining a divert cassette compartment as full, one or more signalsmay be sent from the machine to authorized personnel indicative of thedivert cassette condition or status. Alternatively, if one compartmentof a dual compartment cassette is determined as full, then the machinecontroller may be programmed to feed both divert and retract notes tothe other non full compartment. It should also be understood that theembodiments (e.g., RFID tags, etc.) discussed in this applicationrelating to media cassettes may also be applied to divert cassettes.

In an exemplary embodiment a divert cassette includes a self-lockingarrangement for a partition. A divert cassette partition can beautomatically locked during removal from a machine and unlocked whileinserted a machine. A resilient member (e.g., spring) and lock can belocated on an outboard non-drive link side of a divert cassette. Thatis, the spring and lock can be located on a cassette side opposite tothe drive link side (which can have the previously discussed partitionlever). Thus, the partition drive and the partition locking arrangementcan be situated such that they do not interfere with each other.

FIG. 60 shows the divert cassette 500 in which the partition 502 isself-locking. In FIG. 60 the partition is in a locked condition. Theshown divert cassette of FIG. 60 can be situated outside of an automatedbanking machine (or partly positioned in the machine). A partitionlocking arrangement includes a spring (e.g., torsion spring) 538 and alock 540. The torsion spring is operatively connected to the partition502. For example, the torsion spring can be operatively engaged orconnected to a partition arm 512. An arm 542 of the lock 540 can beengaged with an arm 544 of the torsion spring 538. Both the lock arm andthe torsion spring arm each have an end engaging portion or hook, whichmay be J-shaped or U-shaped. The lock arm is slidable in a lock housing546. The lock arm has a hook 552. The torsion spring arm has a hook 554.A locking engagement of the lock arm and spring arm prevents a closedpartition from moving to an open position. Other arrangements may use adevice other than a torsion spring, such as a projection operative toengage the lock arm hook.

FIG. 61 is an enlarged view of the lock 540 and J-shaped lock arm 542 ofFIG. 60. The lock includes a biasing member 548, such as a spring, whichprovides the lock with a force toward its locking position. That is, thespring attempts to keep the lock arm hook closer to the lock housing.The lock can be a non-user lock in that it can operate automaticallywithout requiring contact by a person. Thus, the locking arrangement canbe located inside of a divert cassette and be inaccessible to personswhen the cassette is closed. FIG. 61 also shows a projection 550 (e.g.,protruding button) on the lock arm. The projection button 550 isoperative to engage a dispenser feed channel component, such as a pickermechanism component.

The torsion spring 538 exerts a biasing force toward having thepartition in the closed position. The torsion spring attempts to keepthe partition in a closed position. That is, the normal position of theJ-shaped arm of the torsion spring is shown in FIG. 62. However, aspreviously discussed, a partition drive (e.g., engageable with thepartition lever) can be operated to overcome (or act against) the forceof the torsion spring to move the partition to an open position. Whenthe partition is in the open position (as shown in FIG. 63) the torsionspring is compressed and desires to spring back to the position shown inFIG. 62.

As the divert cassette is inserted into a media dispenser, theprojection button 550 engages a dispenser feed channel component. Thisengagement is operative to move the lock arm 542 relatively toward thetorsion, spring. Movement of the lock arm a predetermined distance isoperative to enable release of the torsion spring from the lock. Thatis, movement of the lock button 550 is able to overcome the force of thelock spring 548 to move the lock arm 542. During unlocking, the lock armis moved toward the torsion spring far enough to allow release ordisengagement of the torsion spring hook from the lock hook. FIG. 62shows the lock arm fully moved toward the torsion spring 538.

With the cassette fully inserted into the dispenser, the lock arm is inan unlocked position (FIGS. 62 and 63). With the torsion spring free ofthe lock arm hook the divert cassette partition is operative to befreely driven (as previously discussed) between closed and openpositions. Thus, the torsion spring arm can be rotated relative to(e.g., away from) the lock arm by the partition drive. As shown in FIG.63, counterclockwise rotational movement of the torsion spring by thepartition drive can cause removal of its hook from alignment with thelock hook. That is, the torsion spring arm can be moved (against itsspring force) away from the lock arm when the partition is driven towardthe open position. Similarly, the torsion spring arm can be moved towardthe lock arm when the partition is driven toward the closed position.However, locking engagement between the torsion spring hook and the lockhook will not occur until the lock arm is again moved (or retracted)away from the torsion spring.

During removal of a divert cassette from a dispenser, the outside drivefor the partition becomes disengaged from the partition (e.g., becomesdisengaged from the partition lever). With the outside drive no longercontrolling movement of the partition, the partition is free to pivot.Thus, the torsion spring can move (i.e., spring back) to place thepartition in its closed position (as shown in FIG. 62). As the divertcassette is being further removed from the dispenser, the lock buttonbecomes removed from engagement with the picker channel component. Withthe lock button no longer held by the picker channel component, the lockspring 548 can act to retract the lock arm toward the lock housing. Thatis, as the cassette is being removed the lock arm (via the force of thelock spring) is also being moved further away from the torsion springuntil they are lockingly engaged via their hooked ends (as shown in FIG.60). The lock spring 548 can be set at a force load strong enough tomaintain locking of the partition in the closed position. That is, thelock spring can be operative to prevent unlocking of the engaged lockhook and torsion spring hook when the cassette is completely removedfrom the dispenser. Thus, a divert cassette partition can be lockedduring transport.

With the partition in its closed position the lever can becorrespondingly in its horizontal position (or alternatively some othercorresponding position). Upon extraction of the cassette from a machinethe lever is locked in its horizontal position. Thus, when the cassetteis again inserted into a machine its lever can be in a proper position(or alignment) to engage with a partition drive. With the divertcassette removed from an automated banking machine, an authorized usercan remove notes from the divert and retract storage areas. Notes may beremoved after disengaging the partition lock mechanism. FIG. 64 shows anopened divert cassette 560 including a lid 562. Of course the partitionportion may also be viewed as a “lid” portion. A partition lever 564,bridge 566, arms 568, guide 570, and separator 572 are also shown inFIG. 64.

In an exemplary operation the locking status of a partition (e.g.,compartment guide) of an automated banking machine cassette can beautomatically changed responsive to movement of the cassette relative tothe automated banking machine. That is, the partition is operative to belocked or unlocked. Subsequently, the locking status of the partitioncan again be automatically changed responsive to opposite movement ofthe cassette relative to the automated banking machine.

In certain arrangements the notes may be removed with the partitionlocked in the closed position. For example, the separator may be partlylifted upon removal of the cassette lid. Because the partition is keptin its closed position, a user can be prevented from closing thecassette (i.e., closing the lid) with the partition in the open position(which can be the wrong lever position for lever/drive engagement duringinsertion into a machine). A divert cassette partition can be lockedwhile out of a machine and unlocked while in a machine. The lockingarrangement allows a divert cassette to remain in operable condition.

In an alternative embodiment a partition lever may be arranged with adispenser (or an outside drive mechanism) such that during removal ofthe divert cassette from the dispenser the lever is automaticallyreturned to an exit position to place the partition in its closedposition. Further removal of the cassette would result in locking of thepartition in its closed position. In the embodiment the partition wouldbe free to open and close under no load from a torsion spring.

FIGS. 65 and 66 show views of a closed divert cassette 573. FIG. 65shows a front perspective view of the divert cassette 573 including acarrying handle 574, a locking latch lever 575, and a partition lever576. FIG. 66 shows a rear perspective view of the divert cassette 573.

FIG. 67 shows a front perspective view of another divert cassette 577having a carrying handle 578 and a locking latch lever 579 attached tothe shown cassette upper portion or lid.

FIG. 68 shows another embodiment of an automated banking machinegenerally indicated 580. The automated banking machine can be an ATM.However, other embodiments may use other types of automated bankingmachines. ATM 580 includes a fascia 582 which serves as a user orcustomer interface. The fascia includes a card slot 584, keypad 586,function keys 588, display 590, receipt outlet slot 592, mini statementoutlet 594, document (cash) withdrawal opening 596, document depositopening 598, and a writing shelf 600. The ATM is operative to use themedia cassettes and the divert cassettes discussed herein.

Card slot 584 is used to input a card with encoded data thereon that isusable to identify the customer and/or the customer's accountinformation. Card slot 584 is connected to a card reader input devicefor reading data encoded on the card. The machine may also include otherinput devices such as biometric readers that may be operative to receivecustomer identifying inputs such as fingerprints, iris scans, retinascans, face topography data, voice data, or other inputs that providedata that is usable to identify a user. An example of an ATM that usesbiometric input devices and other types of input devices is shown inU.S. Pat. No. 6,023,688 the disclosure of which has been fullyincorporated herein by reference.

Keypad 586 includes a plurality of keys which may be actuated by acustomer to provide inputs to the machine. Function keys 588 permit acustomer to respond to screen prompts. The display 590 may be a touchscreen display which enables outputs through displays on the screen andenables customers to provide inputs by placing a finger adjacent toareas of the screen. Outlet 594 can also be used to receive other itemsfrom ticket printing mechanisms, check printing mechanisms, and otherdevices that operate to apply indicia to media in the course ofperforming transactions carried out with the machine. It should beunderstood that these features of the described ATM user interface areexemplary and in other embodiments the user interface may includedifferent components and/or features and/or arrangements. For example, adifferent arrangement may have the locations of the receipt outlet slotand the mini statement outlet switched. Likewise with switching the cardslot and the receipt outlet slot.

FIGS. 69, 70, and 71 show respective front, top, and side views of theATM 580 of FIG. 68.

FIG. 72 shows another embodiment of an automated banking machinegenerally indicated 610. The automated banking machine has a customerinterface which includes a card slot 612, keypad 614, function keys 616,display 618, receipt outlet slot 620, mini statement outlet 622,document (cash) withdrawal opening 624, document deposit opening 626,and a bulk document deposit opening 628. FIGS. 73 and 74 show respectivetop and side views of the automated banking machine 610 of FIG. 72. Theautomated banking machine is operative to use the media cassettes andthe divert cassettes discussed herein.

Thus the new and improved automated banking machine features achieve atleast one of the above stated objectives, eliminate difficultiesencountered in the use of prior devices and systems, solve problems, andattain the desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity and understanding, however no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom because such terms are used for descriptive purposesand are intended to be broadly construed. Moreover, the descriptions andillustrations herein are by way of examples and the invention is notlimited to the details shown and described.

In the following claims any feature described as a means for performinga function shall be construed as encompassing any means capable ofperforming the recited function, and shall not be limited to thestructures shown herein or mere equivalents thereof.

Having described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated, and theadvantages and useful results attained; the new and useful structures,devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems,equipment, operations, methods, processes and relationships are setforth in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus including: an automated banking machine network, whereinthe network includes a plurality of automated banking machines, whereineach automated banking machine includes a plurality of currencycassettes, wherein each cassette is operative to hold currency therein,wherein each cassette includes at least one data indicator, wherein eachdata indicator includes data representative of a characteristic ofcassette currency, wherein each automated banking machine includes atleast one cassette reader, wherein the at least one cassette reader isoperative to remotely read the data of a data indicator without contacttherebetween, wherein the network is operative to track the amount ofcurrency in at least one of the automated banking machines.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the network can track the amountof currency in each automated banking machine in the network.
 3. Theapparatus according to claim 2 wherein the network can determine theamount of currency in the network.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3wherein the network is operative to provide currency information in realtime.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the network includesat least one computer.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 5 whereineach automated banking machine includes at least one computer.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 6 wherein the network is operative tocommunicate with each automated banking machine.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 7 wherein the communication involves the Internet. 9.The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one data indicatorincludes data representative of the value of currency in a cassette. 10.The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one data indicatorincludes data representative of the amount of currency in a cassette.11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the at least one cassettereader is operative to remotely read the data of a data indicator usinga radio frequency.
 12. A method including: (a) providing an automatedbanking machine network including a plurality of automated bankingmachines, wherein each automated banking machine includes a plurality ofcurrency cassettes, wherein each cassette includes at least one dataindicator, wherein each data indicator includes data representative of acharacteristic of cassette currency; (b) remotely reading the data ofthe data indicators of at least one automated banking machine; (c)determining the amount of currency in at least one of the automatedbanking machines.
 13. The method according to claim 12 wherein (b)includes remotely reading the data of each data indicator of eachautomated banking machine.
 14. The method according to claim 13 wherein(c) includes determining the amount of currency in each of the automatedbanking machines using the data read in (b).
 15. The method according toclaim 14 and further including (d) determining the amount of currency inthe network.
 16. The method according to claim 15 wherein (d) includestracking the amount of currency in the network in real time.
 17. Themethod according to claim 12 wherein each automated banking machineincludes at least one cassette reader, wherein the at least one cassettereader is operative to remotely read the data of a data indicatorwithout contact therebetween, and wherein (b) includes remotely readingthe data of each data indicator of each automated banking machinewithout contact between a data indicator and a cassette reader.
 18. Themethod according to claim 17 wherein the at least one cassette reader isoperative to remotely read the data of a data indicator using radiofrequency, and wherein (b) includes remotely reading the data of eachdata indicator of each automated banking machine using radio frequency.19. The method according to claim 12 wherein the network includes a hostcomputer, wherein each automated banking machine includes a computer,and further including (d) communicating between the host computer and atleast one automated banking machine computer.
 20. Apparatus including:an automated teller machine (“ATM”) network, wherein the networkincludes a host computer, wherein the network includes a plurality ofATMs, wherein each ATM includes an ATM computer, wherein each ATMincludes a plurality of currency cassettes, wherein each cassette isoperative to hold currency therein, wherein each cassette includes atleast one data indicator, wherein each cassette includes a dataindicator including data representative of an amount of currency in thecassette, wherein each ATM includes at least one cassette reader,wherein the at least one cassette reader is operative to remotely readthe data of a data indicator without contact therebetween, wherein theat least one cassette reader is in operative connection with the ATMcomputer, wherein each ATM computer is operative to communicate currencyamount information to the host computer, wherein the host computer isoperative to determine the amount of currency in the network in realtime.